The British mountaineer who died had no previous health problems, the authorities say

Kota Kinabalu: A British national, who lost consciousness while descending on Mount Kinabalu and was later pronounced dead, did not have a prior history of health problems, according to the authorities.

The victim, in the 1970s, completed the necessary compensation form and participated in a safety briefing at Timpohon Gate, the main entry point of Sabah’s sacred Kinabalu, before starting.

Accompanied by his wife, he collapsed at KM8.3 on the summit route, at 7.17, on Tuesday (February 25), about 2.2 km from the Panalaban base camp.

The camp serves as a resting stop for climbers before their morning ascension to the top or before heading to the Timpohon Gate.

Confirming the incident, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Environment of Sabah, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, and expanded the condolences of the victim’s family and asked the public to respect her confidentiality.

“We extend our condolences from the heart of the family and friends of the deceased during this deeply difficult period. Our thoughts and the deepest sympathy are with them, ”she said in a statement on Thursday (February 27).

Liew added that the ministry is working closely with other agencies to understand the circumstances around the tragedy.

“The ministry works closely with the relevant authorities, including Sabah parks, local rescue teams and law enforcement, to ensure the highest safety standards in Sabah’s natural attractions.

“Although we cannot continue to comment on the ongoing investigation, we have fully hired to support the family and to cooperate with the authorities in all possible ways.

“Mount Kinabalu is one of the most close and regulated mountaineering destinations in the world. Sabah Parks has comprehensive safety protocols, including professional guides and climbing limits to ensure visitors’ safety, ”she said.

According to Sabah Parks, a mountain guide discovered the unconscious climber and immediately alerted the search and rescue unit in the mountains (Mosar), who was joined by other rescue teams.

The victim was found unanswered and suffering from hypothermia.

Despite the efforts to revive it using CPR and an automatic external defibrillator (AED), the hard weather conditions have aggravated the situation.

He was carefully evacuated to the Sayat-Sayat control point and later transported to the Timpohon Gate, where he was pronounced dead at 5 pm.