KINABATANGAN – What was supposed to be a fun hike with friends at the Tawai Waterfall in Telupid, ended in tragedy for a 29-year-old man.
SK Linayukan Tongod teacher Jahir Korotok was found dead not long after he was reported missing during a hiking programme at noon yesterday at Kg Entilibon in Tongod.
Jahir had gone for a hike with friends at about 8am at the recreational park but they got separated, and he was reported missing at about 11.45am.
Civil Defence Force personnel involved in the search-and-rescue operation, conducted together with firemen, forest rangers and villagers, said he was found unconscious not long after the report was made.
Medical officials at the scene later pronounced him dead.
The victim’s body was brought down and surrendered to police for further action only at about 5.55am today due to challenging geographical and weather conditions.
Rescuers, too, had to wait for medical officials to arrive for proper procedures to be taken before they could move the body.
The cause of death is still being investigated.
The victim was supposed to have celebrated his birthday today.
Kinabatangan police chief Dzulbaharin Ismail said the remains have been sent to hospital for post-mortem, adding that the case is classified as sudden death in the absence of any criminal intent.
The Tawai Waterfall is the second highest waterfall in Sabah. Located at the Tawai Rainforest Camp, it is a top destination for hikers, but the route to reach it is known to be tough.
A guide told The Vibes that it takes about four to six hours to brave the 5.7km hike to reach the waterfall. – The Vibes, May 23, 2021
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