Title: Tragic End to New Year Ascent: Deko Avriansah Dies on Gunung Dempo
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the New Year celebrations on the summit of Gunung Dempo ended in tragedy for Deko Avriansah, a 22-year-old mountaineer from Seluma, Bengkulu. He was declared dead at 01:45 WIB on Friday, January 3, 2025, having succumbed to exhaustion that likely led to hypothermia.
Deko, accompanied by a friend, began his climbing venture on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, aiming to ring in the New Year at the peak of Gunung Dempo in Pagaralam, South Sumatra. Initially, his condition was deemed fit for the ascent, according to Anjas, the Head of the Emergency and Logistic Division of the Pagaralam Disaster Management Agency (BPBD).
However, three days into their expedition, Deko’s health deteriorated dramatically due to extreme fatigue. His companion promptly descended to notify the Balai Registrasi Gunung Dempo (BRIGADE). Regrettably, when the rescue team reached the location, Deko had already passed away.
The evacuation of Deko’s remains via the treacherous Tugu Rimau trail presented significant challenges. The rough terrain required rescue teams to divide into multiple groups and work in relay shifts to ensure safe and steady progress.
This unfortunate incident serves as a crucial reminder for mountaineers to always prepare physically, mentally, and with adequate equipment before embarking on such journeys, especially in extreme weather conditions. Gunung Dempo, renowned for its beauty, also harbors formidable challenges that every climber must anticipate.
Let this unfortunate event be a lesson for all, driving us to be more vigilant and cautious when navigating the wonders of nature. (Ilham)
