Rico Yan’s untimely death
March 14, 1975-March 29, 2002
At exactly 10 in the morning at the Palawan Adventist Hospital, young actor Rico Yan was pronounced dead on arrival.
At his very young age of 27, Rico was diagnosed to have died of an acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, an internal system
malfunction found to be common in Asian men and mostly associated with nightmares or what we know as “bangungot.”
After having a night of fun at the Dos Palmas Beach Resort with Dominic Ochoa, Janna Victoria and other friends,
Rico went up to their cottage’s loft alone to sleep, unaware that it would be his last night.
Dominic and Janna reported that Rico went to bed around two in the morning. They said that they also heard Rico moaning at around 6 am but they didn’t give much attention to it for they are already used to the young actor’s habit of snoring.
At 9:30 am, Dominic tried waking Rico up but he was shocked to discover that his friend was already stiff and lifeless. Doctors who were currently staying at the resort responded immediately but failed to revive the actor.
Rico’s dad, Robie, and brother, Bobby, came on a private plane courtesy of Gabby Lopez to fetch Rico’s remains and take it to Manila. Bobby broke in tears upon seeing his younger brother.
"My darkest hour, my lowest point of my life. Let's handle Rico's death with care and dignity.”
News anchor Karen Davila on the other hand had a handful of heart shattering moments to share while she was on the plane with Bobby and Rico’s dad on their way to Manila.
"Pababa pa lang ‘yung plane I was a little nervous already because I knew that I had to do my job and Bobby is a personal friend of mine. I had to ask permission. It was hard kasi they were all in shock. ‘Yung very emotional parts ‘yung nasa eroplano kasi Bobby was talking to his brother like he was alive. I remember pa nga that he opened the body bag to talk to Rico's remains. And that was the first time I saw the body of Rico. Actually, I saw that there was no pain in his [Rico] face. And he looked good pa nga. With my job, I think what's most important I must remember that I am also a person. First and foremost you are a journalist and it's not a sin to show compassion."
Up to this day, many still doubt if the news about Rico’s unforeseen death is true. The incidenttruly came in a shock, most especially to Claudine Barretto, Rico’s girlfriend of four years. Claudine found it impossible to believe that Rico, the love of her life, is dead.
Marjorie Baretto talked in behalf of her sister, Claudine.
"Claudine is still under the state of shock and is under medication. She cannot make any statements now and she requests that we pray for Rico and respect the rights of those who are grieving."