Emil Sumangil mourns cousin, 1st foreigner death on Everest this season
MANILA, Philippines — Broadcast journalist Emil Sumangil is mourning the passing of his cousin, Engineer Philipp II Santiago, who died while preparing to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.
Nepal news outlet The Himalayan Times reported that the world's tallest mountain recorded its first foreign death of the season.
Snowy Horizon Treks Managing Director Bodhraj Bhandari told the outlet that the 45-year-old Santiago, part of the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar - Snowy Everest Expedition 2025, died while at Camp IV while preparing for the summit push.
The exact cause of Santiago's death is still unkown, but Bhandari added that his team members were making their way to the summit, and efforts are being made to bring Santiago's remains to the base camp.
Sumangil had been regularly posting updates about Santiago's prepartion and progress for Everest, and confirmed his cousin's death on social media.
"Our family is asking for prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of our beloved Engr. Philipp PJ Santiago II. We also continue to pray for the safety and well-being of Karl Miguel Santiago during this difficult time," said Sumangil, mentioning Santiago's nephew who was also part of the expedition.
"The family respectfully requests privacy as we grieve and process these events. Your understanding, support, and prayers are deeply appreciated. Maraming Salamat po," Sumangil ended.
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