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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Cocoy Laurel's cause of death revealed

Cocoy Laurel's cause of death revealed

Published Jun 17, 2025 07:11 am
Cocoy Laurel: actor, singer, musician, and painter whose artistry touched generations (Facebook)
Cocoy Laurel: actor, singer, musician, and painter whose artistry touched generations (Facebook)
The family of multi-talented stage and film actor Victor “Cocoy” Laurel has revealed that he died of cardiac arrest arising from multiple organ failure. He passed away on Saturday, June 14, at the age of 72.
Cocoy's younger brother, David Laurel, shared in an interview at the Heritage Memorial Chapels in Taguig City that the actor had endured chronic complications from a debilitating spinal injury sustained two decades ago during a theater performance.
“He already had a back problem. But he was not yet doubled over. He could walk normally, no limp,” David said. “He would sit up straight for some time. He was okay. But as it grew over time, that’s when I think the complications came in.”
The injury, sustained while Cocoy was performing in the 2005 musical The Miraculous Virgin of Caysasay, left the lower portion of his spine in fragments.
He had it checked, you know. It's in pieces. So how will that mend?,” David pointed out.
Though doctors had recommended further intervention, Cocoy reportedly declined surgical options. “He had an aversion to hospitals,” David revealed. “He was traumatized by an experience and didn’t trust doctors. He was prescribed some painkillers, but over time, they wouldn't help the pain anymore.
Honoring Cocoy's memory
Despite this, David said Cocoy kept a cheerful front. In his final months, the former actor devoted himself to church work, painting, mentoring and singing, whenever he can.
He would serve the church. He used to be with the choir of Santuario de San Antonio for years. That's where he was fulfilled in his service. Every time they sing for a mass or two in San Antonio, that's what really got him going. That was his driving force, David recalled.
Cocoy's younger sister, the 80s singer Iwi Laurel recalled: He was my first voice teacher, and coach in everything, in acting. He was just very generous with himself, with his time, with others. Very loving, very gentle.
Singer-actor Franco Laurel called Cocoy my No. 1 encourager and his inspiration for also joining show business. After watching his uncle in musicals like 'The King and I,' 'West Side Story,' and 'Camelot,' Franco said, I knew I wanted to be an actor because of him. It was so magical for me.
Meanwhile, Cocoy's niece, actress Denise Laurel, described him as a ray of sunshine who was always beaming with positivity.
Beyond skill, beyond singing and acting, I learned about his heart. How forgiving, how generous, how kind, and how God-loving he was. And if you talk to anybody who knows him, you would know that he would always find the best in people. He would always see what's beautiful in them. He always likes to paint people because he finds their most beautiful features.
Cocoy's last public appearance was last April when he visited the wake of his good friend, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Aunor. He also turned over a life-size painting he made of Nora to Lotlot de Leon.
Cocoy is the eldest son of eight children of former Philippine Vice President Salvador Laurel and theater luminary Celia Diaz-Laurel.
Members of the close-knit Laurel family were present during the first day of Cocoy's wake (Instagram)
Members of the close-knit Laurel family were present during the first day of Cocoy's wake (Instagram)
Schedule of viewing
The Laurel family released the following schedule for those who would like to pay their last respects to the beloved actor:
Tuesday, 17 June 2025
04:00 - 11:00 PM Viewing
07:00 PM Mass
Heritage Park
Chapel 2 & 3 Garden Wing
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
04:00 - 11:00 PM Viewing
07:00 PM Mass
Heritage Park
Chapel 2 & 3 Garden Wing
Thursday, June 19, 2025
1:30 PM Inurnment Mass at Santuario de San Antonio Parish, Makati City

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