Star Magic talent AJ Perez, 18, is dead

AJ Perez, or Antonello Joseph Sarte Perez in real life, was pronounced dead at "12:20 a.m."

The cause of his death, according to reports, is "multiple head injuries," which he sustained after his vehicle was hit by a bus and a truck in Moncada, Tarlac.

Here's the official statement of ABS-CBN that was sent by the head of corporate communications Bong Osorio: "Kapamilya talent AJ Perez passed away early this morning after being rushed to a hospital in Tarlac. Together with his father, 2 road managers, a driver and an event marshal, they met a vehicular accident on their way back to Manila after a provincial show. ABS-CBN sympathizes with AJ's family on his untimely demise, and urges everyone to pray for the eternal repose of AJ's soul and for the family and loved ones he left behind."

One of the first few people to give his account of what happened was showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz, who had the chance to talk to the young actor's parents.

On Twitter, he wrote the reaction of Mr. Gerardo Perez (published as is): "Sana, panaginip lang to, Ogie. Si Aj ang buhay namin ng mami nya, bakit sya pa? Sana, ako na lang." 

Mr. Perez was with his son when the accident happened. 

AJ's mom Victoria was still reeling from the shock when she spoke to Ogie in a phone interview. Her words, according to Ogie's Tweet: "Tinanong ko si dadi, bat ang tagal nilang umuwi? Pauwi na raw sila from Dagupan, pero nag-aalala pa rn ako, d ko alam kumbakit balisa ako." 

The Star Magic talent just finished his show in Dagupan, Pangasinan, which celebrated its annual Bangus Festival.

Here's Ogie's report via @ogiediaz:

"Galing ng Dagupan, pauwi na. Tulog lahat sa van. Sa Tarlac, biglang bumangga sa trak. Bago pa nadala si AJ Perez sa ospital, wala nang buhay."

"Sa bus po bumangga ang van sakay si AJ Perez kung saan yung left brain nya ang matinding napuruhan."

"Nasa isang clinic sa Paniqui, Tarlac ang mga labi ni AJ Perez. Kausap ko si Daddy kanina, iyak nang iyak. Ndi ako makakatulog nito."

AJ is set to star in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya this April 30. Prior to this, he was one of the male leads in the TV series, Sabel.

About four hours ago, his second to the last tweet @ajperez17 was about the trip: "On the way home already from Dagupan. Long drive ahead... Thanks to everybody who watched..."


AJ's body will be in La Salle Greenhills starting this afternoon until Tuesday lunchtime.