Achi news desk-
Meg Haug (26), from Ballintemple in Cork, was part of a group doing adventure activities in Badian in southwest Cebu when she felt unwell at around 11am on Thursday.
Ms. Haug and a friend were part of a group taking part in canyoneering which involves traveling through canyons, streams and waterfalls by jumping, sliding, swimming and abseiling.
The Sun Star newspaper in the Philippines reported that Ms Haug was more than halfway through the three-hour adventure and had completed two of three jumps when she fell ill.
The newspaper reported that several people present, including a doctor who was with another group in the mall, tried to render medical aid.
Reports said those present initially struggled to contact emergency services as they were unable to get a signal of where they were.
Ms Haug was later taken to Badian District Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Ms Haugh had traveled abroad but was due to return to Ireland when the tragic incident occurred.
Clydiejun Baratbate, an officer at the Badian Municipal Disaster Management Office (MDRRMO), said communication signals in the area were a problem and authorities were only alerted around noon as a result.
“When we got the call, we immediately sent our ambulance,” Bartbat told the Sun Star.
According to him, the mall site is about 12 km from the MDRRMO.
According to him, due to the poor communication signal in the area, officials in the past requested handheld radios as a way to call first responders to tourist sites.
“The reception of the signal is not good here because you still have to go up a bit (to get a signal)… We also asked for an antenna because we saw that in the mall, especially on level two, it is already very low, so we can’t go to our repeater. So we have to to be a base radio at the entrance.”
Ms Haugh was from the Ballintemple area of ​​Cork and local football club Avondale United, which her family was involved with, canceled home games at the weekend as a mark of respect.
“It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the untimely passing of young Meg Haugh, daughter of Richard Haugh,” the club said in a statement on Friday.
“As a tribute to Richard, our friend, child safety officer and committee member, with long service to the club. The club’s academies will not take place today, Friday 3rd May and our weekend home games are cancelled.
“Our thoughts are with Richard and the family, including uncle John Haug, minor league coach, extended family and friends.
“Meg rest in peace.”
