The family of Gameboys stars Elijah and Jerom Canlas is mourning the passing of their youngest brother JM Canlas who died at the age 17.
Jerom announced the heartbreaking news in a statement released on social media on Thursday afternoon, August 3.
“It is with the heaviest heart and deep sorrow that our family announces the death of our bunso, Jamile Matthew [JM] Madiclum Canlas, earlier this morning. He was 17,” read Jerom’s Facebook post.
The statement continued, “JM, as he was known to many, was a talented actor, athlete, musician, singer, debater, and gamer. He was always a proud Filipino with a bias and compassion for the poor and oppressed. But most of all, JM will forever be remembered as an incredible young man, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, student, and friend”.
While no cause of death was mentioned, Jerom revealed that JM struggled with his mental health.
Jerom then urged everyone experiencing “distress and are in need of URGENT ATTENTION” to “proceed to the emergency room of the hospital nearest you”, listing out hotlines and institutions to reach for psychological counselling services.
Elijah, meanwhile, penned a doting message for their youngest brother.
“There’s so much more to be said. But for now… rest well, pinakamamahal kong JM. Walang hanggang patawad at pasasalamat para sa lahat. Mahal na mahal ka namin. Mahal na mahal ka ni kuya. I love you forever and always,” he wrote on Facebook.
JM, a former host in the children’s show Team Yey, also appeared in indie films Kiko Boksingero (2017) and Ani (2019), and TV series Unconditional (2020).
Colleagues and friends such as Team Yey co-host Mitch Briones, Gameboy co-star Kokoy de Santos, and Rolando have since taken to social media to honor JM.
Team YeY also paid a tribute to JM with a compilation of the late young actor’s “Bida Best moments in Season 3 and 4 of the show.
“YeY will remember you in this way, JM. Forever in our hearts,” it said in a Facebook post.
Eagle-eyed netizens meanwhile noticed that his Instagram bio cryptically showed the words “August 4th 2023,” which is the day after his passing.
JM’s wake will begin Friday night August 4, at 8pm until Sunday, August 6, at Room 116 of the St. Peter Chapel in Quezon Avenue.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with anxiety and depression, here are numbers you can call:
- (02) 805-HOPE (4673)
- 0917 558 HOPE (4673) and 2919
- DOH-NCMH Hotline: 0917-899-8727 or 02-7989-8727
- Natasha Goulbourn Foundation Hopeline: 0917-558-4673, 0918-873-4673 and 02-8804-4673
- In Touch Crisis Line: 0917-800-1123, 0922-893-8944 and 02-8893-7603
- Request for FREE legal or psychological counseling services at http://bit.ly/SulongRequestForm
- For free or donation-based counseling:
- UGAT SandaLine
- UGAT Foundation Inc or [email protected]
