JM Canlas, brother of 'Gameboys' star Elijah Canlas, passes away at 17
JM Canlas, the brother of Boys Love series Gameboys star Elijah Canlas, has passed away. He was 17 years old.
Their brother Jerom Canlas confirmed the news in a Facebook post on Aug. 3.
"It is with the heaviest heart and deep sorrow that our family announces the death of our bunso, Jamile Matthew Madiclum Canlas, earlier this morning," Jerom said, as he shared a photo of JM. No cause of death was given.
He described his younger brother as a "talented actor, athlete, musician, singer, debater, and gamer," as well as someone who was "always a proud Filipino with a bias and compassion for the poor and oppressed."
"But most of all, JM will forever be remembered as an incredible young man, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, student, and friend," JM said.
The older brother also shared details of the wake on Aug. 4, Friday, starting at 8 p.m. until Aug. 6, Sunday, at St. Peter Chapel Quezon Avenue, Room 116.
"Let us celebrate his short but wonderful life, as he would want us to," Jerom said.
JM's kuya also noted how JM struggled with his mental health during his adolescence. He also urged the public that if someone is experiencing current distress and need "urgent attention," in uppercase, "please proceed to the emergency room of the hospital nearest you."
He also shared crisis hotlines from the following:
- Department of Health's National Center for Mental Health – 0917-899-8727, 02-7989-8727
- Natasha Goulbourn Foundation Hopeline – 0917-558-4673, 0918-873-4673, 02-8804-4673
- In Touch Crisis Line – 0917-800-1123, 0922-893-8944, 02-8893-7603
JM starred in the movies Kiko Boksingero and ANi, as well as the short film The Flaming History of the Dela Cruz Family alongside Elijah.
He recently appeared in the one-act play titled Mga Bata sa Selda 43, which was staged at the Virgin Labfest.