Remains of girl who died at Sinulog party to undergo autopsy

The family of 19-year-old girl who died after attending a party during the Sinulog Festival in Cebu is awaiting the results of the investigation into the circumstances of her death, the family's spokesperson told GMA News Online on Friday.

Benny Abad, the uncle of victim Ashley Abad, said medical records show that she died of a drug overdose although they have yet to confirm it.

"Her body will be autopsied either today or tomorrow.""I think it's ecstasy, but we're not sure," Benny Abad said in a phone interview. "The case is under investigation after it was reported to the police."

According to reports, Ashley attended a party during the celebration of the Sinulog festival in Cebu City. She was rushed to the hospital when she fainted but died the following day.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) are conducting an investigation.

'Sweet, God-fearing'

Benny Abad described Ashley as "sweet" and "God-fearing," making it impossible for them to believe that she was into illegal drugs.

"Just by the look of her face, no one would think that Ashley is a drug user. She was everybody’s friend, very sweet, beautiful and very God fearing," he said.

"That is why we want the truth to come out because we didn't like what was coming out from the social media that she was an addict or user," Benny added.

Speculations

PDEA Region VII Information Officer Leia Alcantara said there are speculations on the cause of death, including drug overdose, specifically ecstasy. But such conclusion, she said, cannot be made because the victim may have ingested other substances.

PDEA operatives who inspected the party venue admitted that they cannot determine whether there were party drugs used.

Businesswoman Mary Anne Alcordo-Solomon, a family friend, posted on social media asking people for prayers instead of sending out text messages.

"There are texts going around on the cause of Ashley’s death in addition to the medical report. It is heartbreaking to lose a daughter and worst if you read texts on why she died. Ashley was a victim and investigation is going on now," Alcordo-Solomon said.

"We request for your prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of Ashley, for the consolation of her loved ones especially to the family ... and most especially for justice," she added. —KBK, GMA News