The former Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) pro player turned coach Ivan "Navi" Emmanuel Gacho has passed away. RSG Slate PH made the announcement as the MLBB community mourned for the loss of a seasoned veteran. Navi played in the MPL PH scene back in Season 4 before taking an indefinite hiatus. It was not until the inaugural season of the Mobile Legends Development League (MDL) that the pro player returned to the competitive scene as RSG PH’s amateur league coach. Shortly after the conclusion of the MDL PH Season 1, the news broke out that the promising coach had passed away.
RSG PH and fans paid their respects to Navi
One of the MLBB PH community's seasoned veterans, Navi, tragically passed away unexpectedly soon after the conclusion of the MDL PH Season 1. This was announced through the official Facebook page of RSG PH on 24th April 2023.
“It is with a heavy heart to share with you the passing of our good friend, Coach Ivan Emmanuel "NAVI" Gacho,” the page wrote.
Navi stared his career in the MLBB esports scene under Sterling Global Dragons back in MPL PH Season 4. The pro player suddenly went off the scene for awhile and eventually returned as the head coach of RSG Slate Ignite.
As the head coach of RSG PH's MDL lineup, Navi led the squad to a convincing 5th-6th place finish in the tournament. The team was eliminated by Blacklist Academy in the quarterfinals with a 2-0 clean sweep.
“You have brought a light that shone brightly in our lives and hearts. We will be forever grateful for all the time spent together and thank you for the wonderful memories you left with us,” RSG PH captioned. “Sending our condolences to the family and loved ones of Coach Navi. The world has lost a truly special soul. Rest easy, our friend.”
At the time of writing this article, the cause of Navi’s untimely death is still unannounced.
Update: According to Navi's sibling Isidro Erickson Gacho III, the RSG Ignite Coach died of Fatal Arrhythmia, a condition where a person has an irregular heartbeat causing the heart to pump less blood than normal and may result in a cardiac arrest.
