The CEIT Student Council and PIIE CVSU-SC are mourning the reported passing of John Kerby C. Cañelas, a third-year BS Industrial Engineering student whose death was announced on August 25, 2026.
Born in 2005, Cañelas was a member of the 3-1 class and was also involved with AMBUSH through the Committee on Audit and Risk Assessment (CARA). His passing has brought grief to his family, classmates, friends, fellow student leaders and others within the academic community who knew him.
According to the student organizations’ announcement, John Kerby was involved in a jeepney accident on August 13, 2026, in Mataas na Lupa, Indang, Cavite. He reportedly sustained serious injuries, including a spinal cord injury and fractures to both femurs.
Following the accident, he was admitted to University of Santo Tomas Hospital, where he underwent medical treatment and surgery. His prolonged hospitalization also placed a significant financial burden on his family. The organizations reported that hospital expenses had reached ₱440,540.50 as of August 24, with further expenses incurred during his treatment.
For his classmates and fellow organization members, John Kerby’s death represents the loss of a young student who was still working toward his educational and professional ambitions. His involvement in student organizations connected him with a wider network of peers and colleagues, many of whom are now grieving his passing.
The student community has encouraged members to remember John Kerby not only for the tragic accident that preceded his death but also for the relationships and experiences he formed during his time at university.
Following the announcement, the CEIT Student Council and PIIE CVSU-SC expressed condolences to the Cañelas family and others affected by his passing. The organizations also appealed for support for his loved ones, particularly because of the financial obligations accumulated during his hospitalization.
According to the information shared by the organizations, individuals wishing to assist the family were provided with the following donation details:
GCash: 0909 393 4701
Account name: Yvette Cañelas, his mother
Anyone considering sending financial assistance should independently verify the payment information with the family or the relevant student organizations before making a transfer.
John Kerby’s death has left his family facing an unimaginable loss and his classmates confronting the absence of someone with whom they shared classrooms, activities and everyday university experiences.
At a young age, he was still pursuing a degree and preparing for a future in industrial engineering. His passing has therefore been felt not only as a personal tragedy but also as the loss of a young member of an academic community with many years ahead of him.
As classmates, friends, educators and student organizations come together to remember him, the support surrounding the Cañelas family may provide some measure of comfort during this difficult time.
John Kerby C. Cañelas will be remembered by those who knew him for the connections he formed, the academic community he became part of and the memories he leaves with his family, friends and fellow students.
