PNP: Mountaineer Ayson probably died from a fall

MOUNTAINEER Victor Joel Ayson, 27. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The mountaineer who went missing and eventually found dead after going on a solo trek in Batangas last Easter Sunday probably died from a fall, a Philippine National Police official said Monday.

“An autopsy [on Victor Joel Ayson, 27,] has noted no foul play,” Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said.

Cerbo said Ayson fractured his jaw, broke his anterior ribs and pelvis, which were “consistent with a fall from an elevated position.”

Ayson’s decomposing remains were found last Saturday below a steep slope near the lakeshore in Cuenca, Batangas—some two weeks since he was reported missing while scaling Mount Maculot.

The victim was wearing black socks, black pants and a black T-shirt with markings “Mind over Mountain” when he was found.

Forensic examiners said Ayson could have died the day he went missing, noting its consistency with the probable time of his death.