Karl Roy, Rock Legend Dies, MANILA, Philippines - Filipino rock singer Karl Roy passed away Tuesday, this according to his sister, Kathryn, who announced her brother's death on her Facebook page.
"It is with deepest sadness that I share the news of Karl's passing. He was called Home today at 1:01 a.m. Manila time (Tuesday, March 13th), surrounded by those who loved him most - mommy, Keith, Kevin, Krys, his daughter Arianna, and our cousin Jack (Roy-Duavit)," she posted.
"Please continue to pray for Karl. He brought so much joy to others but, unfortunately, did not have enough of it in this life. He's in a better place now, with Lolo Pepe, Lola Conching and Daddy," she added.
The exact cause of Roy's death was not made public as of this writing but according to reports, he was brought to a hospital recently after allegedly having been diagnosed with Pulmonary Edema or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
In 2007, Roy suffered a stroke that left half his body paralyzed for months.
"One thing I can say - a stroke is a bad trip," said he in a past interview with Rogue magazine.
Asked what he thinks would allow him to continue surviving life, Roy said in the same interview that it's "people."
"I need people to validate that what I am feeling is real," he said.
Roy gained prominence in the '80s as frontman for Advent Call. Mainstream success however came only years later, when he formed the funk rock ensemble, POT, having had a major hit with a cover of the Advisors' "Yugyugan Na."
He continued making music with super band, Kapatid, which also included Nathan Azarcon and Ira Cruz of Hijo, thereafter. Roy and the rest of POT reformed in October of last year.
Hours after his death, Roy became the top trending topic on Twitter Philippines with fans and celebrities turning to the popular microblogging site to express grief over his death.
Comedian-singer-TV host Ogie Alcasid posted, "Rest in Peace Karl Roy!"
Maxene Magalona, the actress daughter of deceased rap artist, Francis tweeted, "I hate waking up to devastating news. RIP Karl Roy."
Meryll Soriano wrote, "RIP Karl Roy. I am honoured to have known you. Salamat sa musika."