THE Los Angeles County medical examiner’s report has revealed that Paolo Tantoco, a Rustan Commercial Corporation executive, died from the effects of cocaine.
The report, case number 2025-04377, lists the manner of death as accidental, with probable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease cited as a contributing factor. The date of death is listed as March 8, 2025, and the case remains open. The report contradicts the family’s initial announcement of a “sudden passing,” offering a more specific cause of death.
The news comes as a shock, given the family’s previous statement released on March 9th, which expressed sorrow over the sudden loss of their son and requested prayers.
Paolo Tantoco, 44, served as assistant vice president for administration at Rustan’s, the family-founded company. He is survived by his wife, Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco, and their three children.
The unexpected nature of the death and the specific cause revealed in the medical examiner’s report highlight the complexities surrounding sudden deaths and the importance of accurate reporting.
The family’s initial statement, while expressing grief, did not disclose the cause of death, leaving room for speculation. The release of the medical examiner’s report provides clarity but also brings a new layer of understanding to the circumstances of Paolo Tantoco’s passing.
