The hiker rescued from Mount Agung on Saturday after collapsing from exhaustion at 2,200 meters has died, according to hospital officials, a tragic turn in a rescue that had appeared successful just hours earlier.
I Gusti Agung ES, 45, passed away Saturday night at Selat Community Health Center (Puskesmas), shortly after being brought down from the mountain and receiving initial medical treatment.
“The hiker passed away last night,” said I Made Sudarba, Head of Selat Community Health Center, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
12:00 p.m.: The Climb Begins
I Gusti Agung ES began his ascent of Mount Agung with several friends at approximately noon on Saturday, via the Pasar Agung trail in Selat District.
Mid-Afternoon: Collapse at 2,200 Meters
As the group reached an altitude of roughly 2,200 meters above sea level, the victim reportedly experienced exhaustion and lost consciousness. His companions contacted search and rescue teams for assistance.
Evacuation From the Mountain
A joint search and rescue team evacuated the victim from the hiking trail. I Putu Handika Bhayangkara, Coordinator of the Karangasem SAR Post, confirmed the evacuation, saying the victim was unconscious when brought down and was transported to Selat Community Health Center for treatment.
“That’s correct, we just finished the evacuation. The hiker is now at the health center because he was unconscious,” Bhayangkara said Saturday night, describing what appeared at the time to be a successful rescue.
Saturday Night: Condition Deteriorates
According to Sudarba, medical staff were immediately deployed after receiving reports of an unconscious hiker on the trail. Once brought down from the mountain, the victim received initial first aid before being transferred to Selat Community Health Center for further examination.
At the health center, the victim underwent additional medical assessment. Minutes later, he was pronounced dead. The victim is believed to have died from exhaustion after pushing himself during the climb, resulting in heart failure.
“We made every effort to provide the best possible treatment, but the victim’s life could not be saved,” Sudarba said.
What Happens Next
Following the pronouncement of death, the health center coordinated with the victim’s family. His body was subsequently transported to Tabanan Regional General Hospital (RSUD) for safekeeping.
What We Know So Far
- I Gusti Agung ES, 45, began climbing Mount Agung via the Pasar Agung trail at approximately noon on Saturday, July 18.
- He lost consciousness at an altitude of roughly 2,200 meters and was evacuated by a joint SAR team.
- He was brought to Selat Community Health Center, where he initially received treatment.
- He was pronounced dead Saturday night; the suspected cause is heart failure linked to exhaustion.
- His body has been transferred to Tabanan Regional General Hospital.
Authorities have not released further details on the exact medical cause of death or whether an autopsy will be conducted. This report will be updated as more information becomes available.
