STO. TOMAS, Davao del Norte (AP) — Two participants in a trail run event died on Saturday, August 3, in Brgy. San Jose, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, after collapsing in separate incidents possibly linked to extreme heat and physical strain.
One of the victims was identified as Eric Joseph David Taping, 35, a sitting member of the Sangguniang Bayan in Montevista, Davao de Oro.
Taping reportedly suffered a seizure during the run and was rushed to a hospital, where he later died.
The second fatality was Klent John Mesiona Brua, 39, of New Bataan, Davao de Oro.
Authorities launched a joint search and rescue operation after he failed to return to the finish line.
He was found unconscious around 3:30 p.m. and brought to the Santo Tomas Medical Health Center, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Medical findings indicated Brua suffered from traumatic brain injury, internal hemorrhage, and a cerebrovascular accident—likely triggered by a heat stroke that led to cardiac arrest. Witnesses said he collapsed from an elevated portion of the trail.
Investigators believe extreme heat may have played a role in both deaths. Authorities are still probing the incidents.
Police have since urged event organizers to strictly enforce safety protocols and ensure adequate medical preparedness in future athletic events to prevent similar tragedies.
The bodies of the two victims have been turned over to their respective families.