Hashtags member Franco Hernandez dies in drowning incident
Young star Franco Hernandez, a member of the boy group Hashtags, died in a drowning incident in Davao Occidental on Saturday, November 11.
Cornerstone Entertainment, the company that manages Franco, confirmed the sad news.
Hernandez's fans were quick to react to the sad news, resulting in his name being the most talked-about topic on Twitter.
In the report received by Cornerstone, Police Officer 2 Rolly Conad said Franco was on a boat with his girlfriend, Hashtag team member Tom Doromal, and two others in North Lamidan, Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental, when big waves hit their boat on Saturday afternoon.
Franco and his girlfriend reportedly fell into the water. Both were saved by the boat driver and crew, but Franco was already unconscious when he was rescued. He was brought to the Estacion Medical Clinic in the neighboring town of Malita, but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician, Dr Nimayre Macabaya.
Vice Ganda, Gretchen Ho and Kim Chiu were among the celebrities who expressed their grief.
"It is with deep sadness and grief that we accept the news of Franco Miguel Hernandez Lumunlan aka Hashtag Franco's passing today," Cornerstone said.
It added: "
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."
Hernandez, whose full name is Franco Miguel Hernandez Lumanlan, joined Hashtags this February, and was introduced as the "Hataw Heartthrob" among the new members.
He told the show: "We promise to do our best because this kind of opportunity na magpasaya ng madlang people and maging parte masayang pamilya, minsan lang ito mangyari."
He describes himself as "fun-loving and adaptable" on his profile.
