Comedian Ate Gay passes away after courageous battle against cancer - GMA Network

Philippine show business has lost a beloved comedy gem following the death of stand-up comedian Ate Gay, whose real name was Gil Aducal Morales.

His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement posted on the comedian's official Facebook page.

The post stated, "It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that our family announces the 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 of our 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗶𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀, lovingly known to many as 𝗔𝘁𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝘆, on 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

"After bravely fighting for his life, while surrounded by his family, our beloved Ate Gay has peacefully passed away.

"During this difficult time, our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who extended their prayers, love, financial assistance, and unwavering support throughout his battle. Your kindness and generosity have meant so much to our family.

"We kindly ask for your continued prayers for his eternal repose and for strength and comfort for our grieving family.

"Details regarding his wake and funeral arrangements will be announced soon.

"Rest peacefully in the loving arms of our Lord, Ate Gay. You will forever remain in our hearts.

Ate Gay confirmed that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer in September 2025.

According to a health bulletin shared by his family earlier this week, the comedian was rushed to the emergency room of Asian Hospital and Medical Center on October 17 after experiencing difficulty breathing.

The family stated, “Noong October 17, 2026 dinala po namin si Ate Gay sa Emergency Room (ER) ng Asian Hospital and Medical Center (AHMV) dahil sa hirap niyang paghinga. Ayon sa kanyang mga doktor, siya ay nagkaroon ng Septic Shock at Acute Respiratory Failure Secondary to Pneumonia o malubhang impeksyon na nakaapekto sa kanyang paghinga at sirkulasyon ng dugo.”

Due to his delicate condition, the doctors advised him to stay in the Intensive Care Unit for treatment, but on October 29 his health only worsened: “Ipinaalam po sa amin ng kanyang doktor nitong October 29 na nagkaroon siya ng pinsala sa kanang bahagi ng kaniyang utak dahil sa stroke. Nanatili pong kritikal at guarded ang kanyang kondisyon.”

Take a look back at Ate Gay's courageous battle with cancer in this gallery.