Latest News

28-Year-Old S’porean Man Dies While Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Reportedly Suffered Altitude Sickness

28-Year-Old Singaporean Man Passes Away During Climb Up Mount Kilimanjaro

A 28-year-old Singaporean man died while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

His oxygen levels plummeted on the morning of the trek to the summit. He was then escorted down and closely monitored at the base camp.

With his condition subsequently worsening, he eventually passed away.

The travel agency he had been with, Adventures Unlimited, is now assisting his family.

28-year-old man passes away on Mount Kilimanjaro

8world News reports that 28-year-old Darrel Phee Chin Ann had reached the base camp to begin the climb up the mountain.

Local travel agency Adventures Unlimited has posted a statement to Facebook explaining the matter.

Source: Adventures Unlimited – Live Openly and Expansively on Facebook

They had in place strict safety measures, including daily monitoring of oxygen levels, heart rate and symptoms. As such, Mr Phee’s readings and symptoms were normal throughout each day of the trek.

However, on the morning they were preparing to hike to the summit, his oxygen levels dropped while his heart rate increased.

The agency followed safety protocol and had him abort the climb and descend with a guide.

He was under close monitoring at the campsite, they added. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated due to the onset of altitude sickness and serious health complications.

 

Mr Phee eventually passed away. Adventures Unlimited attributed the cause of death to asphyxia and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).

Travel agency helping family of deceased

Adventures Unlimited expressed its sincere condolences for Mr Phee’s passing.

“This is a challenging period for Mr Phee’s family, and our primary focus is on aiding the family in this difficult time,” they said.

Speaking to MS News, a spokesperson for the agency said Lina, their expedition leader, is currently in Tanzania. Mr Phee’s parents had flown in earlier and left the country the day before.

Repatriation matters have also been done, with Adventures Unlimited now assisting them with insurance affairs.

In addition, they noted that instances of fatalities on Mount Kilimanjaro are rare and below 1%.

However, there were occasions when such tragedies could occur due to factors involving high altitude, extreme weather conditions, the individual’s physical condition and the physical challenges of the climb.

The agency also reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability for its participants.

“We hope that you can support us in this difficult time, understanding the spirit of adventure that drives us, as hikers, despite its inherent uncertainties,” they stated.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted from Crispin Jones on Unsplash.

Sudeshna Dhar

Sudeshna is a lover of all romcoms, especially Gone Girl (2014).

Recent Posts

Passenger on US flight slammed for bringing Great Dane as ’emotional support’ dog

On the other hand, some said they'd prefer sitting next to a massive dog than…

23 Dec 2024, 10:12 am

Nearly 20 cats abandoned in Bedok flat filled with rubbish, some injured after jumping from windows

Some sustained injuries after jumping from windows, while others starved to death.

23 Dec 2024, 9:52 am

Continuous heavy traffic expected at S’pore-JB checkpoints till end of 2024: ICA

A record of more than 553,000 travellers crossed both checkpoints on 13 Dec.

22 Dec 2024, 7:25 pm

H5N1 poses ‘highest risk’ of becoming next pandemic, S’pore health authorities monitoring situation

There has been no year-end Covid-19 wave, as had been expected.

22 Dec 2024, 6:42 pm

Wagyu beef worth S$5,700 found in car entering JB from S’pore, M’sian driver arrested

The beef was imported without a veterinary health certificate and halal certification.

22 Dec 2024, 5:40 pm

Long queue forms at Jalan Besar Stadium for tickets to ASEAN Championship semi-final

One fan started queueing as early as 7am.

22 Dec 2024, 4:50 pm