Rustan Commercial Corporation executive Paolo Tantoco died from “cocaine effects,” records of the medical examiner of Los Angeles County showed.
According to its report on case number 2025-04377, the manner of death was an accident.
It also mentioned probable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as “other significant conditions.”
The report listed the date of death as March 8, 2025. The case status was tagged as “open.”
GMA News Online is getting the side of the Tantoco family and will publish their comment as soon as it is available.
His family, in a statement by his parents, Rico and Nena Tantoco, and posted on Facebook by his brother Donnie, announced on March 9 the passing away of the Rustan’s executive at age 44.
“It is with great sorrow that we share the sudden passing of our son Paolo ‘Paowee’ Tantoco. We are devastated by our loss and kindly request for your prayers for Paowee and our family,” the statement said.
Paolo was an assistant vice president for administration at the company founded by his family decades ago. He is survived by his wife, Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco, and their children Alana, Bella, and Zach. –NB, GMA Integrated News
