LuLu LoveBottom’s roommate Michael Aquino, has shed light on his friend’s final moments while mourning his death.
The adult content creator, who also went by the name Hunter Hardin online and whose legal name is Lucas Drake, died on Monday, September 7 at age 30 in an apparent suicide.
Prior to his death, the burlesque performer shared a farewell message via Instagram, which read,“I love you and I’m sorry I was unable to make it to the end. Goodbye forever. Love, LuLu.”
He captioned the message, “Been hurt for the last time by someone I shared my heart with 💔.”
In the comments section of the post, Aquino shared that Hardin “passed away in his room in our home.”
Aquino subsequently shared a lengthy tribute post via his own Instagram account reflecting on the loss.
“I will miss you so much my dear friend. We were just sitting in our living room talking about a future of love that you deserved, while Phil and I gave you a hug to cheer you up reminding you that we were your family,” Aquino wrote. “I didn’t know that was going to be our last hug, because I would’ve held on tighter to make sure you wouldn’t leave. You always had so much love to give and you did so much to learn how to love others well.”
The post continued, “I wish so much that our words of love to you would’ve saved you, but I hope you find peace in your heart and soul amongst the stars and that you shine as brightly in the afterlife as you did when you were with us.”
Aquino honored the role Hardin played in his life, adding, “I’ll forever be grateful of the lessons of self-love you taught me. You were a friend that brought out a light in me I never knew existed. Not only did you shine, but you brought me along for the ride to show me what it meant to shine unapologetically.”
Burlesque performer Asura, who described themselves as Hardin’s “best friend,” also commented on Hardin’s post.
“His roommates broke down his door and called paramedics but unfortunately it was far too late to resuscitate him,” Asura wrote. “Lulu has sadly passed away and I’m so truly sorry to anyone that knew him. 💔.”
In an interview with Out Sports in March 2025, Hardin explained why he had switched from playing football to performing burlesque.
“It allows me to identify my femininity with my masculinity. There’s a lot of musculature to what I do. I’m oiled up, but I let myself express my femininity as well. It feels authentic and reflects the journey I saw for myself when I was younger,” he said. He added, “I’ve dealt with a lot of depression in my life, and sports was relief from that. The gym, practice — I’ll always be a fan because of that.”
