How Did Jeff Utanes Die At Just 46? What We Know About The Filipino Voice Actor, His GoFundMe Appeal

The Philippine entertainment industry has just lost yet another bright gem. Jefferson Seril Utanes, aka ‘Jeff’, was a well-loved voice actor and dubbing director, best known for his role as the Filipino voice of ‘Son Goku’. His family confirmed his passing at the age of 46, sharing the heartbreaking news alongside details of his wake and burial arrangements while asking the public for prayers.

As tributes continue to pour in, fans are wondering what led to the respected voice artist’s untimely death. Here’s what we know about the health complications he had been battling in the months leading up to his passing.

Jeff Utanes’ family confirms his death, asks for prayers

Jeff Utanes passed away on December 16, 2025, at age 46, leaving behind a legacy of voice acting, direction, and a whole lot of childhood nostalgia. His sister-in-law, Elizabeth Feliciano-Teodoro, announced his passing in an emotional Facebook post. The post, which didn’t mention the cause of death, read:

“In behalf of my sister Catherine and her children Jhulianne [and] Justin, we humbly ask for prayers for the soul of my brother-in-law Jefferson Seril Utanes. May the Lord grant him eternal rest and perpetual light. Amen.”

A day later, Jeff’s widow, Catherine Feliciano-Utanes, took to social media to share details of his wake, confirming that the viewing will be held starting December 17, 2025, in San Roque, Antipolo City, with interment scheduled for December 21, 2025, at Providence Memorial Park.

How did Jeff Utanes die? The voice actor had been suffering from kidney complications

The exact cause of Jeff Utanes’ death has yet to be officially disclosed by his family. However, the voice actor had previously opened up about his health struggles. In the months leading up to his demise, Utanes revealed on his Facebook account that he had been struggling with stage 5 chronic kidney disease. He had been undergoing dialysis for more than a year.

In July of this year, Jeff’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help fund the expenses of his deteriorating health. According to the crowdfunding page, the voice artist needed an urgent coronary artery bypass surgery after doctors discovered a serious heart blockage that needed immediate medical attention. 

The campaign, also arranged by Jeff’s SIL, Elizabeth Feliciano-Teodoro, detailed how he needed the “lifesaving but costly procedure”, highlighting the severity of his condition. These ongoing health complications are believed to have contributed to his passing. The campaign mentioned:

“Today, Jeff is facing a serious health crisis. After nearly a year on dialysis due to Chronic Kidney Disease, doctors have now found severe heart blockages. He urgently needs coronary artery bypass surgery, a lifesaving but costly procedure.”

Remembering Jeff Utanes, a Filipino childhood icon

Jeff Utanes, famously dubbed “Goku ng Pinas”, became a household name in the Philippines, known and loved by generations of Filipino anime fans. An icon in the industry, he was best known as the voice of ‘Son Goku’ in the Tagalog dub of Dragon Ball. Beyond this, he also left a lasting impression with countless other iconic characters, including ‘Doraemon’, ‘James’ and ‘Professor Oak’ in Pokemon, ‘Usopp’ in One Piece, ‘Hisoka’ in Hunter × Hunter, ‘Kosei Arima’ in Your Lie in April, and ‘Kogoro Mori’ in Detective Conan.

Throughout his voice acting career, Jeff built a legacy even beyond anime. From serving as a Tagalog dubbing director for ABS-CBN to working as a voice-over announcer for the popular noontime show, It’s Showtime, his contributions to the Filipino entertainment industry remain unforgettable. The voice star is survived by his wife, Catherine, and children Jhulianne and Justin.

Rest in peace, Jeff Utanes.

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