How Did Gabe Solis Die? New Details On The Death Of Trina Braxton's Ex-Husband
He kept his illness a secret.
Instagram Sad news! Gabe Solis, the 43-year-old ex-husband of Braxton Family Values' Trina Braxton has died. Reportedly he had been battling cancer for some time and kept his disease a secret from most people — even those close to his family. Trina and Gabe were married in 2003 and divorced in 2015. He died on December 21st at his home in San Antonio, Texas. He shared a photo on Instagram on December 8th showing him out having lunch with family and he was smiling and did not look sick at all, making his death even more shocking. Here's what we know so far about Gabe Solis, his life, and his passing.
1. Gabe and Trina
Fans of Braxton Family Values know that Gabe and Trina's relationship had its fair share of ups and downs. Their personal drama was a hot topic on the WE TV show, even after they split up. Just this year, three years after their divorce, the former couple appeared together on an episode of Iyanla: Fix My Life to settle their differences and try to move forward with their lives. On the episode, he told her, "I’m angry at you for bullying me and pushing me around,” explaining to her through tears that she had become an enemy to him even through he loved her and enjoyed being with her. He stayed with her because he was used to the situation even though he was "belitted, bullied, and pushed around."
2. How did they meet?
Gabe, a software designer, met Trina at a bar in Atlanta called American Pie. His WE TV bio page revealed the night he went to the bar and met Trina, he was looking to "get lucky." On their first official date, they both said they just wanted to have fun and that they didn't want a serious relationship. The opposite happened. After a year and a half, Gabe took Trina to see Dreamgirls. He proposed after the movie on the roof of the Georgian Terrace Hotel. Trina said yes but she made it clear that she didn't like the ring, so they exchanged it later. Trina and Gabe have two sons.
3. His background
Gabe Solis was born in Palacios, Texas, a small town on the shores of Matagorda Bay. His parents are Mexican. He was raised in a religious Christian family and wanted to be a professional baseball player when he was young. At 19, he enlisted in the Air Force so that he could get out of his small town and the future that would give him. After he was discharged from the Air Force, he worked in customer service for a cell phone company for five years. He moved to Atlanta and attended Georgia State University, obtaining a degree in computer information.
4. Trina's response
Something was up earlier in the day on December 21st, when Trina put up a post on her Instagram that said "I need a HUG...E bottle of wine." She did not caption her photo explaining why she needed a hug and a bottle of wine.
5. Official Statement
Trina posted a follow up on Instagram of a pic of herself with Solis and their two sons. In a long caption, she confirmed his death and revealed the news of his death broke before many people in their family even knew about it. "On December 20, 2018, a chapter permanently closed for my sons and I. For over 16 years, Gabe Solis was an essential part of our lives. Like all families, there are good and bad moments that are endured, but those moments, good or bad still made us who we are in the present. Unfortunately, someone leaked the story before we could make everyone aware of his passing, and I apologize to those friends and family members for finding out through social outlets. I also apologize directly to the Solis Family. I do humbly ask for your prayers for our families, but my greatest request is that when you are posting comments, remember Gabe's passing is a loss for our family," Braxton concluded. "He was a father to my boys, a son, brother, and friend to many and I would appreciate privacy and respect as we grieve his unexpected departure. @gabe_solis1234 I miss you, my dear friend."
Amy Lamare is a Los Angeles based freelance writer covering entertainment, pop culture, beauty, fashion, fitness, technology, and the intersection of technology, business, and philanthropy. She is deeply devoted to her chocolate Labrador and an avid long distance runner. You can find her on Instagram and Facebook.