NEWSFLASH

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BLIND SINGER WILLIE GARTE KILLED BY TRUCK

Pasay City, Sept. 6, 1998 - Blind singer Willie Garte, who popularized the song BAWAL NA GAMOT, was dead on the spot after being run over by a 10-wheeler gravel-and-sand cargo truck while crossing EDSA in Malibay, Pasay City.

The tragedy happened shortly before midnight Friday, as Willie was on his way home from a regular performance at a Pasay City night club. He was with his father, Juan Lagarteja, who told investigators they crossed the street to catch a bus to their home in Cogeo Village.

"Willie was holding on lightly to my shoulders as we crossed. Probably due to fatigue, I did not notice that Willie's hand was no longer on my shoulder until I reached the middle island," the father said. "By the time I looked for Willie, he was already way in front of me and a truck was speeding towards him."

He watched in horror as the truck hit his son, who died instantly.

The truck driver surrendered to the police. He told policemen that he did not notice Willie crossing the street until it was too late.