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Who was AJ Perez?
AJ Perez was a Filipino actor, model, dancer, and athlete who rose to fame as a member of Star Magic Batch 13, a group of young talents launched by ABS-CBN in 2006. He appeared in several TV shows and movies, such as Abt Ur Luv, Lobo, Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo, and Sabel. He was also a basketball player and a student at La Salle Greenhills. He had a bright future ahead of him, as he planned to pursue a degree in Marketing at De La Salle University and continue his acting career.
How did AJ Perez die?
AJ Perez died on April 17, 2011, at the age of 18, in a highway accident in Tarlac. He was on his way back to Manila from a show in Dagupan, Pangasinan, when his van collided with a passenger bus along McArthur Highway in Barangay San Julian, Moncada. He was with his father, Gerardo Perez, his road manager, Christopher Salazar, and four others. According to ABS-CBN News, he was declared dead on arrival at the Rayos-Valentin Hospital in Paniqui, Tarlac, at 12:10 a.m.
What was the cause of AJ Perez’s death?
The initial reports said that the cause of AJ Perez’s death was “multiple head injuries” sustained from the impact of the crash. However, the autopsy revealed that his broken ribs pierced his heart and lungs, thus causing his death. According to Dead or Kicking, the autopsy also showed that he had no alcohol or drugs in his system, and that he was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
How did the public react to AJ Perez’s death?
AJ Perez’s death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, family, and colleagues in the entertainment industry. Many of them expressed their condolences and tributes on social media, such as Twitter and Facebook. His funeral was attended by thousands of people, including celebrities, politicians, and media personalities. His remains were cremated and interred at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque. His family also donated his corneas to two patients who needed eye transplants, as a way of honoring his legacy and generosity.
