A Filipino climber has died on Mt. Everest, marking the first recorded foreign climber fatality of this year’s climbing season.
According to a report by The Himalayan, citing Bodhraj Bhandari, Managing Director of Snowy Horizon Treks, the Filipino climber was identified as Philipp “PJ” Santiago II, 45 years old.
Photo: Emil Sumangil/Instagram | AI-generated
On May 14, he passed away at Camp IV, known as the “Death Zone” due to its extremely low air pressure and oxygen levels, while preparing for the summit push. Santiago was part of the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar – Snowy Everest Expedition 2025.
As of this writing, the exact cause of his death is unknown. Efforts to bring his remains back to base camp are currently underway.
Journalist Emil Sumangil, a relative of Santiago, also confirmed his passing in a social media post, requesting privacy for their grieving family.
“The family respectfully requests privacy as we grieve and process these events. Your understanding, support, and prayers are deeply appreciated. Maraming Salamat po (Thank you very much),” he wrote.
View this post on Instagram
May he rest in peace.
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