The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner in the United States has ruled that Filipino businessman Juan Paolo Tantoco died from the effects of cocaine—an illegal substance—and an underlying heart disease.
The report was released four months after Tantoco passed. His cause of death was classified as accidental with “cocaine effects” cited as primary cause and “probable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease” listed as a significant condition.
Tantoco, the grandson of prominent retail industry leaders, died on March 8, 2025. He was 44. His case remained open pending the results of additional investigation.
The late Rustan’s Group of Companies executive was in the U.S. as part of the entourage of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, who was promoting the Manila International Film Festival in Hollywood, California at the time, according to the Bilyonaryo news website.
He was found dead at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.
