KATHMANDU, NEPAL – A 45-year-old Filipino climber, Philipp “PJ” Santiago II, has died during his attempt to ascend Mount Everest, marking the first foreign climber fatality of Nepal’s 2025 climbing season.
The Himalayan Times reported on Thursday that Santiago perished at Camp 4, located at an elevation of 26,000 feet, while preparing for a summit push on May 14. The summit of Mount Everest stands at 29,031 feet.
According to Bodhraj Bhandari, Managing Director at Snowy Horizon Treks, the cause of Santiago’s death remains unknown. Bhandari stated, “Philipp, who reached Camp IV late at night, died… The cause of his death is still unknown.” Efforts are underway to bring Santiago’s body down to base camp.
Santiago was participating in the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar-Snowy Everest Expedition 2025.
His death comes after the earlier deaths of two Sherpa support staff who fell ill at Everest base camp and later succumbed to their illnesses while receiving treatment at a hospital.
The tragic events highlight the inherent risks associated with climbing Mount Everest, even for experienced climbers and support staff. ]
Further details regarding the circumstances surrounding Santiago’s death are expected as investigations continue. The news of his passing has cast a shadow over the climbing season and serves as a reminder of the immense challenges and potential dangers faced by those attempting to conquer the world’s highest peak.
