SANTO TOMAS, Davao del Norte (August 5, 2025) – Tragedy struck during a trail run event in Barangay San Jose, Santo Tomas, as two participants, including the husband of New Bataan Mayor Bianca Cualing-Brua, died in separate incidents allegedly due to heat-related medical emergencies.
Authorities identified one of the fatalities as 39-year-old Klent Brua, a resident of Cabinuangan, New Bataan, Davao de Oro. He was reported missing at around 12:30 p.m. on August 3, several hours after the trail run began at 4:30 a.m. from Bukindao, Purok Narra, Barangay New Visayas.
A search and rescue operation was immediately conducted. Brua was found unconscious at Purok 7, Barangay San Jose at around 3:30 p.m. and was rushed to the Santo Tomas Medical Health Center, where he was declared dead on arrival.
According to medical findings, Brua may have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), internal hemorrhage, and a cerebrovascular accident possibly due to heat stroke. Investigators suspect that he lost consciousness while traversing an elevated portion of the trail and may have fallen off a cliff.
Also among the participants was Montevista, Davao de Oro Sangguniang Bayan Member Eric Joseph Taping, who reportedly suffered a seizure during the event. He was likewise brought to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.
The deaths have sparked mourning in their respective communities. Mayor Cualing-Brua’s office has not issued an official statement as of this writing, but messages of condolence have poured in from local leaders and constituents.
Authorities have yet to determine if the extreme heat during the event played a significant role in the deaths. Meanwhile, event organizers are facing scrutiny over safety protocols and emergency preparedness during the trail run.