AJ Perez, or Antonello Joseph Sarte Perez in real life, was pronounced dead at 12:20 a.m.
The cause of his death, according to reports, is "multiple head injuries," which he sustained after his vehicle was hit by a bus and a truck in Paniqui, Tarlac.
Showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz had the chance to talk to the young actor's parents.
On his Twitter, he wrote the reaction of Mr. Gerardo Perez (published as is): "Sana, panaginip lang to, Ogie. Si Aj ang buhay namin ng mami nya, bakit sya pa? Sana, ako na lang."
Mr. Perez was with his son when the accident happened. A security personnel and the driver were also inside the van they rented.
AJ's mom Victoria was still reeling from shock when she spoke to Ogie via phone. Her words, according to Ogie's tweet: "Tinanong ko si dadi, bat ang tagal nilang umuwi? Pauwi na raw sila from Dagupan, pero nag-aalala pa rn ako, d ko alam kumbakit balisa ako."
The Star Magic talent just finished his show in Dagupan, Pangasinan, which celebrated its annual Bangus Festival.
Here's the rest of Ogie's reports via @ogiediaz:
"Galing ng Dagupan, pauwi na. Tulog lahat sa van. Sa Tarlac, biglang bumangga sa trak. Bago pa nadala si AJ Perez sa ospital, wala nang buhay."
"Sa bus po bumangga ang van sakay si AJ Perez kung saan yung left brain nya ang matinding napuruhan."
"Nasa isang clinic sa Paniqui, Tarlac ang mga labi ni AJ Perez. Kausap ko si Daddy kanina, iyak nang iyak. Ndi ako makakatulog nito."
AJ is set to star in an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya this April 30. Prior to this, he became one of the male leads in the TV series Sabel.
About four hours ago, he tweeted, "On the way home already from Dagupan.Long drive ahead.. Thanks to everybody who watched..." That was his last Twitter update @ajperez17.
