February 7, 2007, is marked on the calendar of Queen Letizia of Spain as the darkest day. Her sister Érika Ortiz Rocasolano was found dead in her bedroom by her boyfriend Roberto Garcia.
This complicated event destroyed the Spanish consort, who could be seen crying inconsolably as she had to say goodbye to one of the most important people in her life.
Érika Ortiz Rocasolano, sister of Letizia Ortiz
Erika Ortiz was the younger sister of Letizia, 50, and Telma, 49, it is said that she did not have it easy. Letizia studied journalism and Telma studied economics, two degrees that ensured a way out of the job market and economic independence. Erika, on the other hand, dedicated herself to the Fine Arts and for a while sold books door to door for the ‘Círculo de Lectores’ (Circle of Readers).
Erika was never fully emancipated, always needing the support and help of her family. At the age of 24 she was still living at home with her parents and experienced their separation firsthand.
Did Erika Ortiz have children?
Yes, she had a daughter named Carla, product of a failed relationship with Antonio Vigo. It should be noted that Carla spent a lot of time at her grandmother Paloma’s house, as the couple could not afford an apartment of their own. The little girl was six years old when her mother died.
What happened to Erika Ortiz Rocasolano?
When her sister Letizia announced her engagement to the then Prince Felipe, she gave her maiden apartment in Vicálvaro to him, but the nightmare also began: the scrutiny and surveillance of the entire Ortiz Rocasolano family. Outings, jobs and partners, everything was watched by the press.
What was Erika Ortiz’s illness?
Erika Ortiz was unable to fit in several of her jobs, she was overwhelmed by not being up to the task. Anxiety and depression began to invade her life. She sought professional help and began psychiatric treatment for stress and anxiety. At her last job she took a month and a half off work for her discomfort, but nothing improved during that time.
Where did Erika Ortiz die?
Erika Ortiz Rocasolano died in the bedroom of her house in Vicálvaro. She was found twelve hours after her death by her new partner, the TV cameraman Roberto García.
What did Erika Ortiz die of?
The autopsy ruled Erika Ortiz committed suicide by ingesting large amounts of tranquilizers, the bottles of these medications were found empty in the house.
How old was Erika Ortiz when she died?
Queen Letizia’s younger sister was 31 years old.
Did Erika Ortiz leave a suicide note?
According to some Spanish media, five letters were found, one to her mother, one to her father, one to her daughter’s father, Antonio Vigo, and another two to her sisters Telma and Letizia. Nothing is known about the content of these letters.