Albert Avila, better known as El Paso’s “Sandman,” has died.
Avila’s grandson confirmed to KTSM 9 News that the El Paso icon died shortly after midnight Thursday.
Avila was known for his elaborate sand creations in parking lots and busy intersections, mostly in East El Paso.
He was known as the “Coronado Sandman” when he lived in San Diego before moving to El Paso with his daughter.
Avila’s family said his health started declining last year. They started a GoFundMe page in 2018 to prepare for his final expenses.
Due to his declining health, El Pasoans weren’t seeing “The Sandman’s” art on display as often.
Avila was 65 years old. He would have celebrated his 66th birthday later this month on January 20.
