Filipino actress Isabel Granada passes away in Doha after suffering from aneurysm

Filipino actress Isabel Granada, who was hospitalised more than a week ago after suddenly collapsing during a programme in the city, passed away at the Heart Hospital in Qatar. 

Granada, who was suffering from aneurysm, died yesterday evening, reported Gulf Times. Granada had collapsed on October 24 during a ‘meet and greet’ event with fans in Doha.

Granada's close relatives, including her mother, had flown into the city to be with her during the difficult time.

GMA News Online quoted one of Granada’s relatives as confirming the passing away.

“It is with great sadness and grief that my cousin Isabel Granada peacefully joined our creator at 18:00 today with the comfort of the family,” Granada’s cousin brother Joseph Rivera wrote in a Facebook post.

PhilStar reported that Granada’s husband Arnel Cowley will bring back her remains to the Philippines on Wednesday.

The newspaper also reported that Granada had wanted her body to be cremated, a request the 80s star made while visiting a friend’s wake in Australia. But the final decision about it lies with Granada’s mother.

A statement issued by Cowley said: “It is with great sadness that (I announce) my wife Isabel Granada has passed away peacefully here in Doha, Qatar. She has been a fantastic wife, mother and daughter. She always did her best in everything she did, whether it be in front of a camera or sports. 

“I would also like to take this time to thank the Filipino community in Doha for giving their full support throughout this difficult time for myself and the family.”

Granada, 41, arrived in Qatar with Cowley last month to speak at the Philippine Trade and Tourism Conference — Qatar, which was organised by the Association of Filipino Real Estate Executives in Qatar (Afreeq).