As climbers begin their summit bids on the world’s highest peak, the 2025 Everest climbing season recorded its first foreign fatality – a Filipino mountaineer who died just before making his final push. 

The victim has been identified as 45-year-old engineer Philipp PJ Santiago II, a member of the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar–Snowy Everest Expedition 2025.

According to The Himalayan Times, Santiago died at Camp IV – known ominously as the “death zone” due to its dangerously thin air and extreme weather – late at night while preparing for the summit attempt. 

Snowy Horizon Treks’ Managing Director Bodhraj Bhandari confirmed the death, stating that Santiago had only just reached Camp IV when he passed. The rest of the team proceeded with the summit attempt early the next morning.

In a message posted on Facebook, Santiago’s cousin, Filipino journalist Emil Sumangil, mourned the loss and appealed for prayers. 

“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,” he wrote. “The family respectfully requests privacy as we grieve and process these events. Your understanding, support, and prayers are deeply appreciated. Maraming Salamat po.”

A day before the incident, Sumangil had shared a hopeful photo of his cousin nearing Camp IV. 

“Tuktok ng Mount Everest, inaasahang mararating ni Engr. PJ Santiago bukas (May 15),” he wrote. “Sa kaluoban ng Mahal na Diyos Ama, maging matagumpay at ligtas ang lahat. Humihingi po kami ng panalangin mula sa inyo. Fiat Voluntas Tua! Deus Vult!”

Camp IV, situated at approximately 8,000 meters above sea level, is dubbed the “death zone” because human bodies can no longer acclimatize at such high altitudes. Oxygen levels drop to a third of those at sea level, and even the most experienced climbers are vulnerable to life-threatening conditions.

Efforts are underway to retrieve his body and bring it down to base camp, Bhandari added. The exact cause of death remains unclear.