Palaro wrestling medalist Pat-angay dies in crash

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine national wrestling training pool prospect John Mar Pat-angay died in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday night, July 16. He was 16.

Pat-angay, who won bronze in the 46-kilogram weight division in this year’s Palarong Pambansa in Sta. Cruz Laguna, was one of the high school wrestlers that the Wrestling Association of the Philippines was planning to tap to be included in its training pool. (RELATED: Palarong Pambansa debut puts wrestling on PH map)

Ifugao Wrestling Team (IWT) coach and team manager Marilyn Bunolina said Pat-angay was on his way home for his lunch break last July 11 when he decided to hitch a ride on a friend’s motorcycle. The motorcycle fell off a ravine and the two were rescued by passing motorists where they were rushed to the nearby hospital.

Pat-angay, a fourth year student at Hungduan National High School in the province of Ifugao who won gold in the Cordillera Autonomous Region Athletic Association last January, went into a coma and died on Wednesday night.

Bunolina said the IWT is still at a loss for Pat-angay’s untimely death. “John Mar was a great athlete kahit na baguhan pa lang siya sa wrestling. Until now hindi pa din kami okay na wala na siya.” 

WAP officials sent their condolences to Pat-angay’s family and the Ifugao Wrestling Team. – Rappler.com