Filipino climber dies on Mount Everest
Philipp II Santiago, 45, succumbs at Camp IV while attempting summit push
A Filipino climber has died during his Mount Everest expedition, according to Nepali officials.
Philipp II Santiago, 45, passed away at Camp IV on Wednesday night while attempting a summit push, the Department of Tourism confirmed.
Santiago’s expedition outfitter, Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition, reported that he arrived at Camp IV around 8 p.m., exhausted. After resting in his tent, he never woke up.
The exact cause of Santiago’s death has not yet been determined.
This marks the first climber fatality of the season on Mount Everest.
Efforts are currently underway to bring his body down to base camp, following government regulations that prohibit leaving deceased climbers on the mountain.
In a separate incident, a Czech climber was rescued from Camp III after exhibiting signs of high-altitude sickness. Pemba Sherpa, Executive Director of his outfitter, confirmed that the climber is now out of danger.
As of Wednesday, around 69 climbers have reached the summit of the world’s highest peak, officials said. Hundreds more are making their way to higher camps for their summit push. Weather forecasts indicate favorable conditions after May 16.