Two dead in mountain trail event in Davao del Norte

Two participants died during a mountain trail event in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, Super Radyo dzBB reported Tuesday.

In a report, Super Radyo Davao's John Ryan Calonia said the Santo Tomas Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office confirmed the information.

The event was held on August 3.

Initial investigation showed that one of the victims collapsed during the event and was immediately rushed to the hospital. However, the victim was later declared dead.

Meanwhile, the other participant was found unconscious when rescuers reached the scene.

In a press statement, the Santo Tomas Municipal Police Station said the participant was reported missing after failing to return around 12:30 p.m. The trail run started at 4:30 a.m.

A joint search and rescue operation was initiated by Barangay San Jose officials, personnel from the 56th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, and members of the MDRRMO.

The victim was located at 3:30 p.m. and brought to the Santo Tomas Medical Health Center. He was declared dead on arrival.

The police said based on the medical findings, the probable cause of death was Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), internal hemorrhage, and cerebrovascular accident, likely induced by heat stroke that may have led to a heart attack. 

"It is believed that the victim experienced heat stroke while traversing elevated terrain, causing him to fall off a cliff," it said.—Sherylin Untalan/AOL, GMA Integrated News