Business executive Paolo Tantoco, an assistant vice president of Rustan’s Commercial Corporation, has died due to a cocaine overdose, according to the official findings released by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
Hollywood LA News reported on July 9 that Tantoco, 44, died from an accidental drug overdose, as confirmed by toxicology results conducted after his sudden death.
Tantoco was found unresponsive in his room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on March 8, just a day after he attended the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) held from March 4 to 7.
He was part of the delegation that accompanied Philippine First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during the event.
Aside from his role at Rustan’s, Tantoco also served as Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Links Golf Development Inc. and Chief Security and Procurement Officer of Sta. Elena Golf and Country Estate—both linked to his family’s business interests.
The news has sent shockwaves through the Philippine business community, where Tantoco was known as a prominent figure and emerging leader in one of the country’s most established retail empires.