Known affectionately as "Alex" to his family and as "Solais" to the many friends, students, musicians, and colleagues whose lives he touched, Solais Alejandro Hernandez Quintana carried both names with pride and authenticity.

Solais Alejandro Hernandez Quintana, 26, passed away on May 25, 2026. Though his time with us was far too short, he filled every moment with creativity, music, laughter, and a spirit that left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Alex was born on August 22, 1999, in Mexico City, Mexico. In December 2001, he came to Omaha, where he was raised in a close-knit family surrounded by the love of his parents, older brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a large extended family. Their support, guidance, and affection remained a constant throughout his life. Omaha would remain his home for the rest of his life, providing the community, friendships, and musical opportunities that helped shape the man he became.

Throughout his life, Alex loved gathering with family for pickup soccer games, hanging out with his older cousins, and doting on the younger ones. He was a devoted son, beloved brother, favorite nephew, and creative cousin whose presence could light up any room.

Alex attended Ashland Park-Robbins Elementary School, Norris Middle School, and graduated from Omaha South High School with the Class of 2017.

From an early age, Alex's artistic gifts were impossible to miss. As a young child, he created intricate drawings that hinted at the creativity that would shape his life. His keen eye for visual art extended beyond paper into fashion, personal style, and self-expression. Whether through his carefully chosen outfits, distinctive tattoos, or the way he carried himself, Alex approached life as a canvas.

Alex was also a lifelong fan of Pokémon, continuing to collect cards well into adulthood and delighting family and friends by enthusiastically singing the Pokémon theme song whenever the opportunity arose.

Music was one of Alex's greatest passions and ultimately his calling. His musical journey began with a keyboard and grew to include guitar, drums, and singing. But when he picked up a set of mallets and stepped behind a marimba, he discovered where he truly belonged. As an adolescent, he became a dedicated member of the Railmen Performing Arts percussion ensemble, participating in performances and competitions throughout the region and across the country.

He shared his talents through private percussion lessons and as Front Ensemble Lead for the Lewis Central Titan Bands marching program, where he inspired the next generation of musicians. To his students, fellow performers, and the broader music community, Solais was a gifted percussionist, soulful singer, dedicated teacher, and mentor whose influence will continue to resonate for years to come.

Never one to shy away from a microphone, Alex loved to sing. He formed his own band in high school, embraced karaoke whenever possible, and could rarely pass up an open mic night. Whether performing on stage or singing among friends, he brought heart, energy, and soul to every note.

Alex was truly the life of the party. He possessed a wicked sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and an honesty that was refreshing and unforgettable. He was kind-hearted, caring, and unapologetically himself. He lived life on his own terms, pursuing what brought him joy rather than what others defined as success. He was a trendsetter, a boundary-pusher, and someone who approached life with curiosity, courage, and authenticity.

Alex is survived by his father, Horlando Hernandez Solais; his mother, Norma Quintana Carbajal; his brother, Nery Daniel Hernandez Solais; his sister-in-law, Kimberly; his beloved niece, Azari; and his maternal grandmother, Amelia Carbajal.

His passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of his extended family, especially his paternal uncles and aunts, who loved him from the day he was born: Eduardo (Esperanza), Antonio (Patricia), Miguel (Maria), and Alfredo (Alexis) Hernandez Solais.

Alex's friendship, humor, and vibrant spirit will forever be cherished by his many cousins in Omaha, including Dulce (Efrain), Rocio (William) and Lily, Eduardo (Helen), and Julio Hernandez Lozano; Karina (Jesse); Angel (Bremi); Oscar (Serenity), and Elizabeth Hernandez Ortiz; Rosalba, Isabella, and Maribel Hernandez Faulkner; and Saúl (Jenna) Solais Castro.

He will also be lovingly remembered by his cousins in Mexico, Ricardo, Cesar, and Josue Hernandez Bartolo, whose lives were enriched by their bond with him.

He will also be deeply missed by his maternal aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Marina, Pepe, Christian, Manuel, Marcos, Alma, Maru, Rey, Dulce, Patricia, and Aracely Quintana Carbajal, as well as many other relatives and friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, and generous spirit.

Above all, Alex will be remembered as a talented musician, inspiring teacher, devoted family member, loyal friend, and role model. Though this stanza of his song ended far too soon, the music he created and the love he shared will remain with us forever.