Legendary radio and TV personality Leila Benitez-McCollum dies of COVID-19
Philippine broadcasting icon and personality Leila Benitez-McCollum died yesterday, April 9, in the United States due to complications from the coronavirus disease.
The news was confirmed by a family member to CNN Philippines. Leila was reported to be 89 years old when she passed away.
Her niece, Vivian Talambiras-Cruz, confirms the sad news saying, “She died peacefully at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan and didn't have to suffer like other COVID-19 patients.
“She was tested positive of the virus shortly after being moved to the hospital from a rehabilitation clinic.”
The news was also confirmed by a friend named Nelia M. Farrette who gave her deepest condolences to the family members.
She wrote, “It is with deep sadness that I say goodbye to our good friend Leila Benitez-McCollum.
“As a young girl I watched you on television and I am grateful to have called you my friend as an adult. Rest in peace, dear friend.”
Leila Benitez-McCollum was one of the first hosts picked for Student Canteen, a radio show founded in the '50s that was transformed into a TV program for aspiring singers.
She co-hosted the show with prominent celebrities of the decade including Eddie Ilarde and the late Pepe Pimentel.
In 1972, she transferred to the United States when Martial Law was declared following the cancellation of her TV programs in the country.
She had a degree in psychology from Georgetown University.
She also married thrice and had three sons namely, Gerry and Gil from first husband Gerardo Roses, and Martin from second husband Mervyn Simpson.
She later married her third husband Donald McCollum who died only a few years ago.
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