Rico Yan was one of the most popular and beloved actors in the Philippines. He had a successful career in television and film, as well as a promising future as an entrepreneur and a youth advocate. He was also known for his charming smile, his dimpled cheeks, and his romantic relationship with actress Claudine Barretto. However, his life was cut short when he died unexpectedly on March 29, 2002, at the age of 27. What was the cause of death of Rico Yan? How did he die in his prime? Here are some facts and details about his tragic demise.
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The Vacation That Turned Into a Nightmare
Rico Yan was on a Holy Week vacation with five of his friends at the Dos Palmas Resort in Palawan, a province in the Philippines known for its pristine beaches and natural wonders. He was supposed to join his family in Cebu, another island province, but he decided to go to Palawan instead to relax and to shoot a segment for a TV show.
According to one of his companions, actor Dominic Ochoa, they attended a party on the night of March 28, where Rico ate a lot of seafood and drank some alcohol. They went back to their cottage around 2 a.m. on March 29. Dominic said he heard Rico groaning in his sleep, but he thought he was just having a bad dream.
The next morning, Dominic tried to wake up Rico around 9 a.m., but he found him stiff and lifeless on his bed. He immediately called for help and tried to revive him, but it was too late. Rico was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
The Autopsy Report That Revealed the Truth
The police ruled out foul play in Rico’s death and said that there were no signs of violence or struggle in his room. They also said that there were no traces of illegal drugs in his system. However, they did not disclose the exact cause of death until the autopsy report was released.
The autopsy report revealed that Rico died of cardiac arrest due to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis. This means that his pancreas, an organ that produces digestive enzymes and hormones, became inflamed and started bleeding internally. This caused severe pain and pressure in his abdomen, which may have explained his groaning. The bleeding also affected his heart function and blood pressure, leading to his sudden death.
The report also stated that Rico had a history of diabetes mellitus, a condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetes can increase the risk of developing pancreatitis, especially if it is not well-controlled or treated. The report also suggested that Rico’s diet and lifestyle may have contributed to his condition. Eating too much fatty food, drinking alcohol, and having stress can trigger or worsen pancreatitis.
The Legacy That Lives On
Rico Yan’s death shocked and saddened millions of fans and colleagues in the Philippines and abroad. His funeral was attended by thousands of people who paid their respects and expressed their condolences to his family and friends. His burial was ranked No. 6 in the list of most attended funerals in Philippine history by SPOT.
Rico Yan’s last movie, Got 2 Believe, which he starred with Claudine Barretto, was a blockbuster hit when it was shown in theaters nationwide. A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales of this movie, as well as from his other movie Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita and his documentary Forever Young: Remembering Rico, contributed to the Rico Yan Youth Foundation. This foundation aims to help young people stay in school and value education, which was one of Rico’s advocacies.
Rico Yan may be gone, but he is not forgotten. His fans still remember him for his talent, charisma, and generosity. His movies and TV shows still air on various channels and platforms. His family and friends still honor him for his love and legacy. He remains one of the most iconic stars in Philippine entertainment history.
