Franco Hernandez, a member of the boy group Hashtags was killed in a drowning incident.
Franco Hernandez (Image source: Cornerstone Entertainment via Instagram)
Police confirmed the deceased was on a boat with his girlfriend and three other occupants when big waves hit their boat in Davao Occidental, where Franco and his girlfriend reportedly fell into the water.
Both lovers were rescued by the boat crew shortly after the accident but at that time, he was already unconscious.
After the rescue operations, Franco, 26, was later confirmed dead on arrival at a clinic located in a neighboring town.
Cornerstone Entertainment, which serves as Hernandez’s agency, confirmed the boat accident in an official statement last weekend.
“It is with deep sadness and grief that we accept the news of Franco Miguel Hernandez Lumunlan aka Hashtag Franco’s passing today,” the Instagram post read, according to a report from Rappler.
“He was a very promising talent and a true star in every sense of the word. He was passionate, hardworking, humble and liked by all. He lived his life following his dreams and made every second count.
“Franco was not just our talent. He was part of our family. And our hearts break into a million pieces for such a young life gone too soon.
“We will surely miss him. Rest In Peace, our ever dearest Franco,” the statement added.
In this photo posted by @Hashtag_DonJon on FB just now, @Hashtag_Franco is the only one of the group whose gaze is directed elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/8xPEcn11Tp
— Juliansocool (@JulianMauricio) November 11, 2017
Tributes have poured in from celebrities and other Hashtags members, including Ronnie Alonte and McCoy de Leon, who took to social media and expressed sadness over the drowning incident.
“Bro, we are really shocked. I knew you as a good person and as a friend,” de Leon wrote. “You made a lot of people happy, and I’m one of them. I will always tell you that I’m really so proud of you, bro. Thank you, we will miss you. We love you.”
Hashtag Franco's unexpected death. I checked at his recent photosin FB and this gave me goosebumps. Rest in Peace, friend. 😥😢😥 pic.twitter.com/BBjWFGgPbR
— Rod Magaru (@rodmagaru) November 11, 2017
Words are too powerful. His personal IG account. pic.twitter.com/3IqyYBkMLu
— Mace Dy (@dy_mace) November 11, 2017
While the mysteries surrounding his death are yet to be unraveled, Nam Floresca who was with him at the time of the accident, shared an Instagram video they recorded before boarding the boat.
Nam said that Franco was telling her something so she was in a hurry to video it but, Franco only said “Sorry.” It’s believed to be a bitter apology and farewell to his love.
