The actor announces the heartbreaking news through his Twitter account, saying it gutted him that he wasn't able to be with his stepfather during his last days because 'this pandemic has kept my family apart.'
- Mar 30, 2020
AceShowbiz - Nico Santos has lost a close family member because of the coronavirus pandemic. On Saturday, March 28, the actor portraying Oliver T'sien in "Crazy Rich Asians" shared with the world the heartbreaking news that his stepfather has passed away after battling the COVID-19.
Taking to his Instagram account to share a photo of his late stepfather and his mother, the 40-year-old Filipino-American actor wrote, "This is my stepdad Sonny and my mom Tita." He continued, "My Tito Sonny passed away yesterday after losing his battle with COVID-19."
Remembering Sonny as "a kind, caring man," the "Superstore" star shared that Sonny was "friendly to a fault." He continued, "He always greeted strangers walking past him with a chipper 'Good Morning!' and a big smile. He had a great laugh that filled the room with joy."
In his post, the openly gay actor brought up the distressing side of coronavirus. "The loss of my stepfather is devastating but what has gutted me is that this pandemic has kept my family apart," he stated. "We were unable to be with him during his last days."
"I can't hold my mother as she mourns her husband. I can't hug my brother as he contemplates a world without his father. I can't wipe away the tears from my nephews' eyes as they wonder why their Lolo Sonny isn't here anymore."
Nico further revealed that his mother "is also fighting COVID-19." On the positive note, he assured that she "has not required hospitalization" for the time being. Near the end, he thanked everyone "who offered up prayers, love and assistance to our family during this difficult time", and asked them "to pray and send healing energy to my mom" before expressing hope that "all of you are staying safe and healthy."
Days prior to Sonny's passing, Nico made use of his social media account to ask for a little support amid the hard time caused by the coronavirus outbreak. "If you have prayers, positive thoughts and energy to spare please send them our way," he wrote. "My family could use it. Stay safe everyone. And STAY HOME."
