Gyalshing: A 38-year-old trekker tragically died along the Goechala trekking route in West Sikkim on the night of November 18, reportedly due to high-altitude complications.
The deceased, identified as Suman Debnath, a Superintendent with CGST & Customs in West Bengal, was part of an organised trekking group. According to Gyalshing Superintendent of Police Tshering Sherpa, Debnath complained of severe headache, nausea, extreme fatigue and breathlessness while ascending the trail.
His condition reportedly worsened rapidly despite assistance from fellow trekkers.
He is said to have lost consciousness and passed away around 9:05 PM at Phedang, a high-altitude point nearly 25 km from Yuksom.
Following an alert, rescue teams and porters were mobilised, and a dedicated team was dispatched to bring the body down. Due to the challenging terrain and altitude, the descent took nearly a full day.
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The mortal remains were transported to Yuksom and subsequently taken to Gyalshing District Hospital for an inquest and autopsy as per legal requirements. The body has since been handed over to his guardians for transportation to West Bengal.
Authorities suspect high-altitude medical complications as the likely cause of death. However, an unnatural death case has been registered, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and circumstances leading to the incident.
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