Model Gina Lima, 23, & Her Ex-Boyfriend Ivan, 24, Found Dead Just Two Days Apart

Two young lives cut short — just hours apart — have left Quezon City reeling, as investigators scramble to untangle the mysterious and closely linked deaths of a rising model and her ex-boyfriend.

Police have now launched a widening inquiry into the sudden deaths of 23-year-old model Gina Lima and her former boyfriend, 24-year-old Ivan Cezar Ronquillo — a pair whose tragic fates collided only two days apart.

Model Found Unresponsive in Quezon City Condo

Lima was discovered unresponsive inside her condominium unit in Barangay Katipunan on Monday, November 17, 2025. According to police, Ronquillo — who had been with her that night — awoke to the shocking discovery that she was no longer breathing. He rushed her to Quezon City General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

A preliminary medical report pointed to a possible case of cardiorespiratory distress. Police have yet to release further details, and no foul play has been officially determined. For now, her death remains under active investigation.

Autopsy Reveals No Fatal Injuries, Cause Still Unknown

An autopsy carried out by the Quezon City Police District's Forensic Unit did not identify any deadly physical trauma. However, examiners documented minor bruises and internal signs of significant organ congestion, including fluid in the lungs and a swollen heart — observations that align with the early hospital report.

Police Captain Michael Aaron Alcantara, who oversaw the examination on November 18, stated that Lima's exact cause of death remains unresolved pending further tests. Blood, urine, stomach contents, vaginal swabs, and tissue samples have all been sent for laboratory analysis.

Tablets, Marijuana Recovered from the Scene

At a press briefing held on Wednesday, November 19, Police Major Jennifer Gannaban said the initial findings were not fatal and emphasized that investigators were still waiting for the toxicology results to determine the actual cause of death.

Investigators also recovered tablets and marijuana inside the condo. Police say these items are part of the ongoing inquiry, alongside the collection of witness statements and a detailed reconstruction of the couple’s final hours together.

As of this writing, Lima's management at VMX — the digital entertainment platform where she worked — has not issued a public statement.

Ex-Boyfriend Found Dead Two Days Later

Then, a devastating twist: on Wednesday morning, November 19, Ronquillo was found dead on the stairwell of their Quezon City home. He was brought once again to Quezon City General Hospital, where doctors officially pronounced him dead at around 7:20 a.m.

La Loma Police Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Jose Luis Aguirre confirmed that Ronquillo had initially been revived but ultimately did not survive. Authorities are treating the incident as an apparent suicide by hanging.

Police Address Online Harassment and Rumors

The circumstances of Ronquillo's death prompted further inquiry, particularly around the public backlash that had erupted online following Lima's passing.

Lieutenant Colonel Edison Ouano of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit at QCPD stated that officers are actively looking into the barrage of online accusations and hostile comments Ronquillo received in the days prior. "That's what we're investigating now because there was indeed bashing on social media," Ouano said.

Despite the rampant speculation, police confirmed that Ronquillo had not been identified as a suspect in Lima's death. "We have not found any evidence that indicates he was involved," Major Gannaban said. She emphasized that Ronquillo had been treated solely as a witness.

Public Figure Speaks Out Against Online Accusations

As online speculation exploded in the hours after Lima's death, digital creator Marlon Vergara stepped in with a sobering reminder of the real-world toll that internet rumor-mongering can take.

"I know what it feels like to be a victim of false accusations and fake news. I've lived through it," Vergara stated in a public post. "And like I always tell people, if I wasn't strong enough, I could've ended up on the other side."

Vergara shared that he had personally messaged Ronquillo after seeing social media posts directly blaming him for Lima's death — even before police had ruled out foul play. "I reached out," he said. "I messaged Ivan [...] because I was genuinely concerned and wanted to give him advice."

In their exchange, after being advised to speak to a lawyer, Ronquillo replied with heartbreaking calm, "Will do. The truth will come out." In a follow-up message, he added, "Thank you very much."

Vergara condemned the wave of unverified claims that branded Ronquillo as responsible for his ex-girlfriend's death, long before authorities had released any conclusions. "People were already spreading unverified claims […] without thinking of the consequences," he said.

He added, "That kind of reckless gossip can destroy lives. It can push someone into darkness. So let this be a reminder: BE RESPONSIBLE. BE HUMAN. THINK BEFORE YOU SHARE. BECAUSE YOUR 'CONTENT' COULD BE SOMEONE'S BREAKING POINT!"

He ended with a solemn tribute, "May your soul rest in peace. You deserved understanding, compassion, and truth."

Heartbreaking Final Posts Hint at Despair

Shortly before his death, Ronquillo posted three emotional messages on Facebook. In the first, he wrote, "I love you so much, Gina. I can't bear being without you by my side, and I can't live without you. It hurts so much that I lost you even while you were still beside me. Don't worry — I'll follow you, and we'll be together. We both know that nothing can stop our love."

Another post read, "So this is our last rest together, baby. You should have told me. I love you so much. You even scolded me in front of Papa because I didn't greet him, and you kept telling your dad how much you missed him. Now, baby, I will follow you there, wherever you are."

His final message was directed at someone by name. "To Kevin Tan YG, thank you very much for what you did to my face — may justice take care of you," he shared. "And thank you as well for spreading false information." The caption appeared alongside images showing his injured face.

Family Grieves as Inquiry Into Both Deaths Continues

Following news of Ronquillo's death, his sister posted a public message acknowledging their family's loss.

"My brother Ivan, took his own life after quietly struggling with pain that many could not see," she revealed. "With all that has happened lately, we want this moment first to honor him, remember his life, and hold space for the love and memories he shared with all of us."

Ronquillo's funeral service was scheduled for Thursday, November 20, at San Fernando Funeral Homes in Quezon City.

As of now, investigators continue to pursue answers in both deaths, awaiting laboratory findings that may finally reveal what happened to the young model — and what drove the heartbreaking chain of events that followed.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "help" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.