As of yesterday, he was in critical condition at East Jefferson General Hospital, his family told the Times-Picayune.

Ruiz is a specialist both in Latin jazz and bebop. Born in New York City, he studied with pianist Mary Lou Williams and appeared at Carnegie Hall at the age of eight. While still a teenager, Ruiz performed with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, saxophonist Frank Foster, and other leading players; he later played in saxophonist Rahsaan Roland Kirk and saxophonist George Coleman's groups. Since the 1980s, he has recorded dozens of albums as a leader.