More than eight years after losing her son, former Hashtags member Franco Hernandez, his mother found herself reliving the pain of his tragic death following the recent drowning incident involving two Ateneo basketball players in Aurora.
In a heartfelt social media post marking the 103rd month since Franco’s passing, Marissa Hernandez Lumanlan admitted that news of the deaths of incoming Ateneo rookie Rene Clert Baterbonia, 19, and Nigerian student-athlete Divine Adili, 21, brought back painful memories of her own loss.
“I can’t help but think of you,” she wrote, recalling the questions, grief, and heartache that followed Franco’s drowning in 2017.
“So so many flashback memories of your incident. So many how’s and why’s. Not sure how their families, especially the mom’s, would handle this terrible loss and tragic incident.”
She also expressed sympathy for the families of the two young athletes, saying she understands the unbearable pain of losing a son with a bright future ahead.
For Franco’s mother, the incident reopened wounds that have never fully healed.
“Until now, I still can’t pull the dagger that pierced my heart,” she shared. “It will remain here forever. Remembering you today and always, my son. I love you so much.”
The two Ateneo players died during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, while the Blue Eagles were preparing for the Filoil Preseason Cup and the upcoming UAAP Season 89. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
