Actor Tyron Perez found dead

Photo courtesy of Paul Cortes. Used with permission.

VALENZUELA CITY, Philippines – Actor Jojo “Tyron” Perez was found dead inside an abandoned car parked along Que Grande St. in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela Thursday night. He was 26. According to Police Senior Inspector Arthur Quiñones, Chief of the Investigation Division, Valenzuela Police Station, Perez sustained a gunshot wound to his head. 

Sources tell Rappler.com that Perez had been staying at an apartment in Valenzuela for several months now. Police are still determining the cause of his death. According to a report on GMA 7, a friend with whom he was staying told Police that Perez talked about taking his life after a recent conversation with his wife.   

Perez made his television debut as a contestant on the reality talent show “Starstruck” on GMA 7 back in 2003.  He moved to ABS-CBN in June of 2010 where he was most recently seen playing the role of Gilbert in “Mula Sa Puso” and Gary in the fantasy-drama “Momay”. He also starred in several indie films including, “Twilight Dancers” (2006) and “Pipo: Ang Batang Pro” (2009).

Immediately after the news broke on Twitter, Tyron’s celebrity friends sent their condolences to the young actor. Fellow Starstruck alum Sheena Halili tweeted:  

“I will miss you @tyronperez 🙁 sabi mo magrereunion tayo.” 

Actor Jake Cuenca also tweeted: 

“RIP to my old friend Tyrone Perez… rest in peace my friend…Condolence to his family.”

Perez is the second Starstruck alum to have passed away. In 2008, Starstruck (2006) Winner Marky Cielo was found dead inside his room at his family residence in Quezon City. – Rappler.com with reports from KD Suarez