Singaporean hiker dies climbing Africa's highest peak

By Hoang Nguyen August 14, 2023 | 03:24 pm PT

Singapore's Darrel Phee died from altitude sickness when he was climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Elephants graze with a view of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in the background. Photo by AFP

Adventures Unlimited, a travel agency based in Singapore, said in a Facebook post that Phee’s vital signs were normal throughout the days of the hike.

"However, on the morning of the summit hike, his oxygen levels dropped and his heart rate increased," according to the company.

Phee then stopped his climb and returned to the campsite, according to safety protocols. Despite being closely monitored, due to the severe complications of altitude sickness, his condition worsened and he passed away, Channel News Asia reported

The travel agency said Phee died of asphyxia and high-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE).

HAPE occurs when fluid enters the lungs and prevents the effective exchange of oxygen to the blood. It’s the most common cause of death related to high altitude, according to the United States National Library of Medicine in 2012.

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 m. According to the "Climbing Kilimanjaro" website, more than 50% of climbers suffer from mountain sickness on the legendary mountain.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a Sunday statement that it "has been extending consular assistance and support to the family of the deceased."