UAAP, sports community mourn passing of Adamson HS track athlete Mark Dave Nicolas, 18

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the sports community mourn the passing of high school trackster Mark Dave Nicolas of the Adamson University boys’ athletics team.

Nicolas was 18 years old.

The Ilocos Norte standout set a new Palarong Pambansa record in the boys’ 800-meter run last year at 1:53.20. He also copped a silver medal at the 14th ASEAN School Games in Brunei.

“The UAAP family is deeply saddened by the passing of Mark Dave Nicolas of the Adamson Boys’ Athletics Team,” the UAAP said in a post on Wednesday.

“We extend our sincerest condolences to his bereaved family, friends, and teammates.”

Adamson University, through its athletics office, also mourned Nicolas' passing.

The Department of Education also expressed its deepest sympathy for the family of Nicolas.

"Ipinapaabot ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) ang taos-pusong pakikiramay sa pamilya, mga kaibigan, guro, at sa buong komunidad ng Philippine athletics sa pagpanaw ni Mark Dave Nicolas," the agency said.

"Isang batang atletang Ilokano na hinubog ng tapang at determinasyon, iniangat ni Mark Dave ang dangal ng bansa—mula sa kanyang record-breaking run sa Palarong Pambansa 2025 hanggang sa dalawang silver medal na kanyang naiuwi sa 14th ASEAN Schools Games."

"Patuloy na mabubuhay ang kanyang pangarap sa bawat kabataang kanyang binigyang-inspirasyon. Higit pa sa mga medalya, si Mark Dave ay sagisag ng sipag, pag-asa, at pananalig sa pangarap," DepEd added.

Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta Marcos also offered her condolences with the Nicolas family.

“A true pride of Ilocos Norte, you will be remembered for your passion, discipline, and sportsmanship. Your legacy lives on in the aspiring athletes you inspired and in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing you,” she said in a post.

—JKC, GMA News