A 27-year-old man from Muzaffarnagar, who was on a solo bike trip to Ladakh, lost his life in Leh on Thursday after his health deteriorated due to oxygen deficiency that he faced while riding in high-altitude regions of the Union Territory.
The deceased, identified as Chinmay Sharma, alerted about his health issue to his family. However, before his parents could reach him, he passed away despite all efforts to save him. He was his parents' only child and worked at a digital marketing firm in Noida.
According to the Times of India, Chenmay began his trip on Aug 22. As soon as he faced health issues, informed his father, Parag Sharma, a teacher at MG Public School, that he was experiencing a headache. His father advised him to rest and seek medical attention.
ALSO READ | UP: Twist In Farrukhabad Girls' Death As Families Cite Bruises To Challenge Cops' 'Suicide' Theory
The next day, Chinmay called his parents again from the hotel and told them that he was finding it difficult to breathe. Parag immediately informed the hotel manager to take his son to the hospital for treatment.
But, during treatment, Chinmay lost his life on Thursday, just hours before his parents could reach Leh. Chinmay's mother, Priyanka Sharma, is a teacher who teaches at SD Public School in Muzaffarnagar.
Doctors informed Chinmay's family that his cause of death was due to the low oxygen levels in the high-altitude region. Later, his body was cremated in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh on Friday.
This low oxygen level in the high-altitude region is known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), or altitude sickness, and is a common issue in Leh-Ladakh due to the region's high elevation. AMS happens when the body has difficulty adapting to the lower oxygen levels found at higher altitudes.
Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. To reduce the risk, it's important to acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, avoid excessive physical activity, and seek medical advice on preventive steps.