(from left) Randy, Ryan and Marilou Santiago via Ryan’s Instagram
Kapamilya singer-actor Randy Santiago and wife Marilou finally released an official statement, Wednesday, following their son Ryan Leonardo Santiago’s death last August 13 due to multiple sclerosis. He was only 24.
In the said statement given through the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), Ryan’s parents revealed his medical history. His condition no longer improved until it led to his death.
Here is their official statement via PEP:
The whole Santiago family is deeply saddened to pass on the news that our son, brother and nephew Ryan Leonardo Coronel Santiago has met our Lord and Creator at 2:56 p.m. on August 13, 2017. We find comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain.
He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2013 and suffered from demyelinating disease (damage of the protective covering of the nerves of the brain).
These led to a condition called hydrocephalus. He underwent a major brain surgery to insert shunts in order to drain the fluid out.
Given that a shunt is a foreign object, it could cause infections, which the doctors tried to address through medications.
His health started to deteriorate because of loss of appetite as a result of the medications.
Ryan was born on November 9, 1992 to Randy and Marilou Santiago.
He was a true-blooded Lasallian, having gone to school at La Salle Green Hills from grade school to high school before going to college at College of St. Benilde.
He is survived by his parents, Randy and Marilou, and his brothers, Raphael and Raiko Santiago.
Even at a young age, his passion for the creative arts was evident, just like his uncles and grandparents. He had a great fashion style, considered to be an influencer and was a blogger.
Ryan’s family and friends will sorely miss his infectious smile, humor, vibrant personality, humble demeanor and caring ways.
Celebrities such as Ogie Alcasid, Agot Agot Isidro, Marjorie Barretto, John Estrada, Priscilla Meirelles, Inah de Belen, and Julia Barretto, among others, were reportedly seen at Ryan’s funeral at the La Salle Green Hills Chapel. Randy’s brothers, Raymart, Riley and Rowell were also at their nephew’s wake.
Other showbiz personalities, like former 1990s pop-rock band Introvoys’ drummer Paco Arespacochaga, and talent manager and Gary Valenciano’s wife Angeli Valenciano, also expressed their sympathies.
Image: Screen grab of Paco Arespacochaga’s Twitter post
Ryan’s remains were cremated on the same night of his death. JB
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