Stage and film actor Victor “Cocoy” Laurel has died at 72 from cardiac arrest caused by multiple organ failure, his family confirmed.
According to his younger brother, David Laurel, Cocoy had been suffering from chronic complications stemming from a spinal injury sustained during a 2005 performance of The Miraculous Virgin of Caysasay.
“He already had a back problem. But he was not yet doubled over. He could walk normally, no limp. But as it grew over time, that’s when the complications came in,” David said in an interview.
“It’s in pieces. So how will that mend? He didn’t trust doctors. He was prescribed some painkillers, but over time, they wouldn’t help the pain anymore,” he added.
In his final months, Cocoy remained active in church service, painting, and mentoring. He was a longtime choir member at Santuario de San Antonio. His last public appearance was during the late Nora Aunor’s wake in May.
Public viewing is scheduled at Heritage Park on June 17 and 18 from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with masses at 7:00 p.m. Inurnment Mass will be held on June 19 at 1:30 p.m. at Santuario de San Antonio in Makati City.
