Family of Rico Yan reacts to fans visiting the late actor’s grave
RICO YAN – The late actor’s family has no issue with fans continuing to visit his grave.
Rico, a former matinee idol, passed away at Dos Palmas Resort in Palawan on March 29, 2002, Good Friday, at the age of 27. His autopsy revealed cardiac arrest due to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, shocking the public.
Two decades after his death, Rico’s name resurfaced on social media due to numerous posts by netizens visiting his grave at Manila Memorial Park. Many of these visitors are from Gen Z, which surprises Rico’s loyal fans who did not experience his life.
This resurgence sparked concern among some netizens, questioning the motives behind these visits—whether out of admiration or for clout. Responding to ongoing discussions, ABS-CBN News reached out to Rico’s family for comment.
On July 11, 2024, MJ Felipe exchanged messages with Rico’s elder brother, Bobby Yan. Bobby acknowledged the continuous influx of Rico’s fans at his grave, confirmed by the caretaker.
Currently, Rico’s family refrains from commenting further, assured by the caretaker that visitors are respectful. They will take action only if disturbances arise near Rico’s neighboring mausoleum. Bobby added, “We welcome po anyone from anywhere. We have visitors from abroad visit Rico’s tomb and there are visitors weekly since 22 years ago.”
Besides Rico’s dedicated fans, actress Jessy Mendiola also expressed alarm at the true intentions of netizens visiting the actor’s grave. She condemned such actions as disrespectful to Rico’s memory and his family.
Jessy reposted on her Instagram Story on July 9, addressing a TikTok trend of visiting Rico Yan’s grave as if it were a tourist spot. She criticized the lack of respect shown by these visitors, lamenting the obsession with social media metrics at the expense of basic decency and respect.