Emil Sumangil Mourns Mountaineer Relative’s Tragic Loss on Mount Everest

Broadcaster Emil Sumangil is deeply mourning the heartbreaking loss of his relative, Philipp Santiago II, who tragically passed away while attempting to summit Mount Everest in Nepal. Santiago, a passionate mountaineer and member of the Mountaineering Association of Krishnanagar–Snowy Everest Expedition 2025, was reported to have died just moments before his final push to reach the peak of the world’s highest mountain.

The news of Santiago’s passing shocked both his family and the climbing community. While the exact cause of death is still under investigation, it is believed that Santiago’s life was claimed by the unforgiving conditions of the mountain. According to sources, he was close to completing his ascent when disaster struck, and his sudden death has left many in disbelief and sorrow.

Sumangil, who is said to be Santiago’s cousin, took to Instagram on Thursday, May 15, to share his grief and honor the memory of his loved one. In an emotional post, he recalled the moment when they sent Santiago off to Nepal, filled with hope and joy for his adventurous journey. “Ang aming mga mata, na puno nuon ng saya, nang pakawalan ka namin nuon patungong NEPAL… lumuluha ngayon, at namumugto pa,” Sumangil wrote, accompanied by a photo of their family before Santiago left for the Mount Everest expedition.

(Our eyes that were filled with joy when we sent you off for Nepal, are now crying.)

He continued, expressing his sorrow and calling for support from friends and followers: “Isama niyo po kami sa inyong panalangin… Malagpasan namin kaagad ang pait at pighati sa tulong ninyo at higit sa lahat ng Mahal na Diyos Ama.”

(Please include us in your prayers… May we overcome the pain and sorrow quickly with your help and, above all, with the grace of our Dear Lord.)

Sumangil’s previous posts offered glimpses of Santiago’s journey up the mountain, with one post showing a photo of Santiago the day before he was expected to reach the summit. In this post, Santiago is seen with an avalanche wound on his face, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by climbers in such extreme conditions.

According to The Himalayan Times, Santiago has become the first foreign casualty of this year’s climbing season on Mount Everest. His tragic death adds to the long list of mountaineering fatalities on the world’s tallest peak, where the unpredictable weather, thin air, and challenging terrain have claimed the lives of many adventurers over the years.

Santiago’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent dangers that mountaineers face while attempting to conquer Mount Everest, a mountain that continues to challenge even the most experienced climbers. Despite the risks, climbers like Santiago persist in their pursuit of reaching the summit, driven by the spirit of adventure and the allure of conquering one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Sumangil’s heartfelt tribute to his cousin has garnered an outpouring of sympathy and support from followers, as well as from the mountaineering community. As the family and loved ones of Santiago process their grief, they continue to hold on to the memories of a passionate climber who dared to dream big.