The former boyfriend of a Vivamax artist whose mysterious death is under investigation was found dead, apparently by suicide, early Wednesday morning in Quezon City, according to authorities.
The deceased was identified by the Quezon City Police District–Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (QCPD-CIDU) as Ivan Cezar Ronquillo — the former partner of 23-year-old model Gina Lima, who was declared dead at a hospital four days ago.
Police found Ronquillo hanging, tied with a plastic rope, appearing to have committed suicide.
Ronquillo was Lima’s last known companion. He told investigators that he and Lima went to his residence early morning on 16 November. They reportedly took a nap around noon, and when he tried to wake her around 8 p.m., he found her unresponsive. He then rushed her to Quezon City General Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival.
QCPD-CIDU chief Police Lt. Col. Edison Ouano said the investigation into Lima’s death remains open, pending forensic results.
Initial autopsy findings on Lima, released late Tuesday, cited “non-fatal external injuries,” heart congestion and congested lungs, according to QCPD spokesperson Police Major Jennifer Gannaban.
Gannaban suggested the initial medical examination indicated Lima did not die from beating.
Meantime, Ouano confirmed that initial crime scene findings at Ronquillo’s residence revealed no signs of strangulation, smothering, or physical assault in the room.
The case has been complicated by an alleged confrontation at the hospital between Lima’s friends and Ronquillo, with Ronquillo claiming he was assaulted. The QCPD said Ronquillo filed for a medical examination following the alleged assault, and his lawyer reportedly planned to use video evidence against the aggressors.