Former singer Didith Reyes was found dead this morning, December 10, at her friend's house in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Biñan, Laguna.
Based on the report of GMA News, Didith, or Helen Sta. Maria in real life, claimed three days ago that she was sideswiped by a vehicle, prompting a police investigation into her death.
The police report said that at the time she came to her friend's house, she already had bruises on her body. However, she said that the injuries were not serious.
Philippine National Police Region 4-A head Chief Superintendent Ricardo Padilla, told dzBB radio that he has already directed the police in Laguna to look into the possible cause of Didith's death.
"Kaninang 5 a.m. natagpuan siyang patay, ni-report sa barangay captain," he stated in the interview. "I directed already the provincial director and the provincial police...to determine the cause ng kanyang pagkamatay."
Didith, who died at the age of 52, was a popular singer in the '70s. She popularized OPM songs, such as "Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi," which was used in the Charito Solis's and Chanda Romero's movie with the same title. Her song "Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw" was also used in the 1976 movie of Marianne dela Riva. Her most popular song "Bakit Ako Mahihiya?" was adapted on the silver screen, which had verteran actors like Lolita Rodriguez, Eddie Rodriguez, and Alma Moreno in the cast.
IMELDA LAMENTS LOSS OF A FRIEND. Radio station dzBB interviewed Didith's close friend, singer Imelda Papin. She said that she had a chance to tighten her relationship with Didith when she took care of her for about two years.
"Medyo na-shock ako kasi napamahal na rin ako sa kanya," said Imelda. "Si Didith, inalagaan ko ‘yan for almost two years. Naipasok ko 'yan sa hospital. Medyo kailangan niya yung kalinga at that time."
Imelda also related that depression caused the downfall of the career of her fellow singer.
"Yun ang cause ng kanyang downfall, yung depression, very emotional na tao," Imelda said.
This was seconded by Didith's other contemporary, Claire dela Fuente, in an earlier interview with dzBB. She said that Didith had been suffering from depression because she was being perceived as a has-been, which was traumatic for Didith.