El Paso’s Beloved Sandman Has Passed Away

Sad news to report this morning as EP mourns the passing of it's beloved Sandman. According to the Coronado Sandman's Facebook, on January 15 he was admitted into SIerra Providence East hospital. The Sandman, Alberto Avila, had been fighting advanced liver cancer and other health complications which led to a stop in his artwork back in July.

Yesterday morning, he was admitted into the ICU. This morning, posts poured into the Facebook page and his grandson confirming the passing of our beloved Sandman on Wednesday.

Avila's artwork could have been seen throughout the city in parking lots and busy intersections mainly on the Eastside of town. Although his inspiring artwork never lasted, is left a meaningful impression. He was called the Coronado Sandman because although he's an El Pasoan at heart, his journey started in Coronado, California.

For now, funeral arrangements will be posted tomorrow and his daughter Elena Avila Zermeno has posted a fundraiser to support the costs of arrangements. If you'd like to donate, you can do so here. We'll miss you Mr. Sandman.