By YAS D. OCAMPO
DAVAO CITY – A member of the boy group Hashtags performing on “It’s Showtime” on ABS-CBN Channel 2 died when he drowned during a boat ride in Barangay North Lamidan, Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental Saturday.
Local police identified the victim as Franco Miguel Hernandez Lumanlan, 26, of New Manila, Quezon City.
Reports said that Hernandez was on his way to a private resort with his girlfriend and another member of the Hashtags Tom Doromal at around 3 p.m. when their boat encountered strong waves.
Hernandez was taken to a clinic in Malita, Davao Occidental where he was declared dead. Police suspect no foul play in Hernandez’s death as he drowned and could not be revived.
ABS-CBN reported that Hernandez’s fans were quick to react to his death, which became the most talked-about topic on Twitter.
Among those who grieved over his death were It’s Showtime host Vice Ganda, TV host Gretchen Ho, and actor Kim Chiu, ABS-CBN added.
According to the network, Lumanlan joined Hashtags last February. He was introduced as as a “Hataw Heartthrob” among the new members.