ArtistDirect News
Leticia van Riel, Electronic Music Manager and LvR Founder, Dies After Ibiza Accident
A fatal car crash on Ibiza’s coast on 12 June 2026 abruptly ended the life of Leticia van Riel, a Brazilian‑French manager whose influence stretched across the global electronic music scene.
The International Music Summit (IMS) broke the news on its Instagram feed, describing van Riel as a “force within the electronic music industry.” The post, posted by IMS co‑founder Ben Turner, highlighted her warmth, generosity and dedication, adding that she was “one of the most positive and effective people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with in this industry.”
Van Riel’s career spanned more than fifteen years in the electronic arena. She co‑managed Palestinian DJ and producer Sama’ Abdulhadi for seven years, and earlier steered German DJ ANNA for a decade while also nurturing the rising act Wehbba. Her hands‑on, long‑term approach helped shape the international profiles of each artist.
Born in Brazil, van Riel studied Events Marketing Management at Royal Holloway University in London. She launched her career in the UK, working for agencies such as MN2S, IMD and Safehouse before relocating to Spain in 2015. In 2018 she founded LvR Management, a boutique agency that quickly earned a reputation for its personalized, artist‑first methodology.
Beyond day‑to‑day management, van Riel championed mentorship. She created the LvR Mentoring programme, a structured initiative that offered training and support to emerging professionals within the electronic music community. Industry peers frequently cited the programme as a vital resource for newcomers seeking guidance.
The Instagram tribute from IMS also underscored the respect she earned from colleagues, artists and friends alike. Turner’s words echoed the sentiment that van Riel’s positive energy and effectiveness had left a lasting imprint on everyone she worked with.
The first public response from her artist roster came from Sama’ Abdulhadi, who cancelled a scheduled festival appearance in Ireland. Abdulhadi explained that the death of her co‑manager and friend forced her to withdraw, adding that she needed to be with her team and loved ones during an “incredibly painful time for all of us.”
Van Riel’s influence extended to the other acts she represented. German DJ ANNA credited her management for helping to shape her international profile, while Wehbba benefited from van Riel’s strategic guidance in navigating the competitive electronic scene.
Her career mirrored a broader industry shift toward sustainable, long‑term artist development and mentorship. By combining agency experience with a focus on career longevity, van Riel helped bridge the gap between emerging talent and established industry infrastructure.
Details of the Ibiza crash remain undisclosed, and no statements have been released by van Riel’s estate or management team. The electronic music community has issued widespread condolences, recognizing the loss of a dedicated professional who championed artist growth.
Leticia van Riel’s passing marks the loss of a manager who played a pivotal role in the careers of several notable electronic artists and promoted mentorship within the industry. Her legacy will be remembered by colleagues, artists and friends who benefited from her expertise and generosity.
The International Music Summit (IMS) broke the news on its Instagram feed, describing van Riel as a “force within the electronic music industry.” The post, posted by IMS co‑founder Ben Turner, highlighted her warmth, generosity and dedication, adding that she was “one of the most positive and effective people I’ve ever had the privilege to work with in this industry.”
Van Riel’s career spanned more than fifteen years in the electronic arena. She co‑managed Palestinian DJ and producer Sama’ Abdulhadi for seven years, and earlier steered German DJ ANNA for a decade while also nurturing the rising act Wehbba. Her hands‑on, long‑term approach helped shape the international profiles of each artist.
Born in Brazil, van Riel studied Events Marketing Management at Royal Holloway University in London. She launched her career in the UK, working for agencies such as MN2S, IMD and Safehouse before relocating to Spain in 2015. In 2018 she founded LvR Management, a boutique agency that quickly earned a reputation for its personalized, artist‑first methodology.
Beyond day‑to‑day management, van Riel championed mentorship. She created the LvR Mentoring programme, a structured initiative that offered training and support to emerging professionals within the electronic music community. Industry peers frequently cited the programme as a vital resource for newcomers seeking guidance.
The Instagram tribute from IMS also underscored the respect she earned from colleagues, artists and friends alike. Turner’s words echoed the sentiment that van Riel’s positive energy and effectiveness had left a lasting imprint on everyone she worked with.
The first public response from her artist roster came from Sama’ Abdulhadi, who cancelled a scheduled festival appearance in Ireland. Abdulhadi explained that the death of her co‑manager and friend forced her to withdraw, adding that she needed to be with her team and loved ones during an “incredibly painful time for all of us.”
Van Riel’s influence extended to the other acts she represented. German DJ ANNA credited her management for helping to shape her international profile, while Wehbba benefited from van Riel’s strategic guidance in navigating the competitive electronic scene.
Her career mirrored a broader industry shift toward sustainable, long‑term artist development and mentorship. By combining agency experience with a focus on career longevity, van Riel helped bridge the gap between emerging talent and established industry infrastructure.
Details of the Ibiza crash remain undisclosed, and no statements have been released by van Riel’s estate or management team. The electronic music community has issued widespread condolences, recognizing the loss of a dedicated professional who championed artist growth.
Leticia van Riel’s passing marks the loss of a manager who played a pivotal role in the careers of several notable electronic artists and promoted mentorship within the industry. Her legacy will be remembered by colleagues, artists and friends who benefited from her expertise and generosity.