Sphere of P-pop group Echo passes away

Jaspher Cabangon, known as Sphere of P-pop group Echo, has passed away.

The group announced his untimely passing on Facebook, saying that he died on Sunday evening, October 4. His cause of death was not disclosed.

“With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Echo Sphere,” Echo wrote.

“At this time, we humbly ask everyone to give his family, loved ones, and the Echo members the privacy and space they need to grieve.”

Echo said they will remember Sphere for the “light, warmth, and joy he brought to the people around him.”

“His presence will forever remain a part of ECHO and in the hearts of everyone who came to know and love him. Rest peacefully, Sphere. We love you!”

The group also asked for prayers for his family as they grieve his passing.

“Please keep Sphere, his family, and everyone who loved him in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

In a separate Facebook post, the San Roque Parish Youth Ministry in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, where Sphere, was a member of their liturgical music and youth ministry, also paid a tribute to the P-pop star.

“With hearts heavy with grief and sorrow, we mourn the passing of our beloved youth and choir member Jaspher Cabangon,” it wrote.

“Today, we say goodbye to someone whose presence became a cherished part of our community, our ministry, and our lives."

The youth ministry also remembered Sphere for his joyful spirit, kindness, and dedication to serving God through the youth and choir.

“Your presence among us was a blessing we will forever be grateful for. Through your joyful spirit, kind heart, and dedication to serving God through the youth and the choir, you became a meaningful part of our ministry and our community," it said.

“Your voice was not only heard through the songs you sang, but also through the memories, friendships, and moments you shared with us.”

The community also offered prayers for Sphere’s eternal rest, saying they entrust him to God and will continue to remember him with love and gratitude.

“It is painful to accept that you are no longer with us, especially knowing that there are still many songs to sing, memories to make, and moments we wished we could have shared with you. Yet, we entrust you now to the loving hands of God, believing that your earthly journey has led you home to the One whom you faithfully served."

Although they will miss Sphere’s presence, his memory “will remain in every song we sing, every prayer we offer, and every moment we remember you.”

“The joy you brought, the kindness you shared, and the memories you left with us will continue to live in our hearts.”

Ending the post, the youth ministry expressed gratitude to Sphere for being part of their journey and for sharing his time, talent, and life with them.

“You will always be remembered with love, cherished with gratitude, and missed beyond words. May the Lord grant you eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon you. Rest now in the peace of Christ, Jaspher. Until we meet again,” it said.

On Sunday, Echo announced that Sphere will be taking a temporary break from all group activities until further notice, as he was hospitalized and focusing on his recovery.

“During this time, we kindly ask everyone to respect Sphere's privacy and allow him the time and space he needs to rest and recover. We also appreciate the continued understanding and support of the ECHO community as we prioritize his well-being,” the group said.

“Further updates regarding his condition and return to activities will be shared when appropriate. Let us continue to keep Sphere in our prayers and wish him a safe and speedy recovery."

Echo is an eight-member P-pop boy group. The group consists of Eoj, Aerys, Rhency, Sphere, James, Ming, Josh, and Raf. They released their debut single titled "Echo” on August 8.

Our deepest condolences.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News