Authorities in Quezon City, in the Philippines, are investigating two connected deaths after adult film star and model Gina Lima, 23, was found unresponsive in a condominium on Monday, November 17, and her former boyfriend, 24-year-old Ivan Cezar Ronquillo, died the following day in what police say was an apparent suicide.
The Manila Standard reports that, according to La Loma Police Station, Ronquillo told officers he woke up to find Lima not breathing inside his apartment.
He brought her to Quezon City General Hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead on arrival. A preliminary medical report listed cardiorespiratory distress as a possible cause, though investigators emphasized that full autopsy findings will determine the official ruling.
Police have not commented on whether foul play is suspected. However, they confirmed that friends of Lima posted online after news of her death, claiming she had unexplained bruising before the incident.
Officers have not verified those claims and have not said whether they will factor into the investigation. For now, authorities are collecting statements, reviewing Lima’s final known movements, and interviewing individuals who interacted with her in the days leading up to her death.
Lima was under contract with VMX, a digital entertainment platform. Representatives for the platform have not yet issued a public statement.
Earlier confusion online linked her to Vivamax, but talent managers have clarified that she did not appear in any of the platform’s films, even though she'd signed a contract with them.
A day after Lima’s death, La Loma Police Station commander Lt. Col. Jose Luis Aguirre confirmed that Ronquillo was taken to Quezon City General Hospital following an alleged suicide attempt. He was initially revived but later died. Police noted that both cases remain open as they await forensic results and continue gathering information.
Lima had built a presence on social media as a model and content creator, posting fitness clips, behind-the-scenes looks at her shoots, and updates from her everyday life. Tributes from friends and followers have continued to surface, describing her as dedicated, upbeat, and committed to her work.
Investigators examined Ronquillo’s residence after Lima’s death and said they did not find signs of a disturbance inside the home. They noted bruising on Lima’s thigh but stated that early examinations revealed no significant injuries or indications of strangulation. Officials stress that only a complete autopsy will confirm whether physical trauma played any role.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate, confidential assistance.