“For 20 Years, He Suffered in Silence”: Laurel Family Finally Reveals Cocoy Laurel’s Hidden Struggle and True Cause of Death

The Laurel family has broken their silence over the heartbreaking and previously unknown details surrounding the death of Victor “Cocoy” Laurel, who passed away on June 14, 2025, at the age of 72. Known as a celebrated singer, actor, and quiet force in both entertainment and politics, Cocoy’s death has struck a deep chord with generations of Filipinos.

In an emotional interview, his siblings David and Iwi Laurel revealed that Cocoy died of cardiac arrest due to multiple organ failure, all stemming from a spinal injury he sustained back in 2005—an injury he kept hidden from the public for two decades.

“He looked fine, he could walk and sit normally,” David shared. “But slowly, the pain crept in. It never left.”

The original injury happened after a stage performance of The Miraculous Virgin of Caysasay. What began as a minor backache evolved into something that would affect Cocoy’s mobility and quality of life for the rest of his years.

Despite increasing physical limitations and chronic pain, Cocoy refused surgery after a traumatic past medical experience that left him distrustful of doctors. Instead, he managed with painkillers—until they stopped working.

But instead of retreating into bitterness, Cocoy remained active in service, particularly to his church, and continued to teach music, paint, and inspire younger artists.

“He never let the pain define him,” David said. “He was always smiling, always singing.”

Cocoy was also remembered as a political asset to his father, former Vice President Salvador “Doy” Laurel. According to David, Cocoy supported his father’s political campaigns by performing music to rally crowds, often working long days on the trail.

Beyond politics, his sister Iwi Laurel, a music star in her own right, praised Cocoy’s influence in shaping the family’s artistic path.

“He was our first teacher, our biggest fan,” she said. “He taught me to sing when I was 7. He gave all of us his love and support.”

Whether singing “Volare” in Italy or uplifting strangers with spontaneous performances on cruise ships, Cocoy left his mark not just as a performer—but as a source of joy, resilience, and silent strength.

As the family held his inurnment on June 19, they urged the public to celebrate his life, not just mourn his death—a life that quietly bore pain but gave love at every step.

“Sometimes,” David said, “the ones who smile the brightest are the ones hurting the most. And Cocoy… he just wanted to bring joy.”