'The Voice Philippines' finalist Kokoi Baldo dies at 44 after road accident
Kokoi Baldo, who rose to fame as a finalist in the second season of The Voice Philippines, passed away after a vehicular accident. He was 44.
Baldo’s wife and manager Sam announced the news on his official Facebook page on Friday, Dec. 8.
“It is with a heavy heart to inform the public, especially the fans, that Kokoi Baldo has passed away earlier this morning,” Sam said. “We kindly ask for privacy during this hard time in respect to his family and friends.”
She also urged the public to take down posts on Baldo’s accident scene in another post.
“I am humbly asking everyone to take down the posts pertaining to my husband, Kokoi Baldo's accident scene,” Sam said, “as it is already causing distress to our entire family.”
Citing police reports, local media outlet Aksyon Radyo Bacolod reported that a truck accidentally ran over Baldo’s motorcycle in Bacolod.
In The Voice, Baldo sang reggae and was mentored by Sarah Geronimo.
On Instagram, Geronimo paid tribute to Baldo, posting a monochrome photo of him.
“Maraming salamat at ibinahigi mo sa amin ang talento mo sa musika,” she said. “Marami po akong natutunan sa inyo lalo na ang prinsipyo nyo sa buhay.”
“Maraming salamat Sir Kokoi. May your soul rest in God's presence,” Geronimo added.
Rest in peace, Kokoi Baldo.