Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medalist Mervin Guarte tragically passed away Monday following a stabbing incident in his hometown, PhilStar reported.
The 33-year-old athlete, who brought pride to the country with two SEA Games gold medals in obstacle racing and two silver medals in athletics, was attacked while sleeping in the living room of Brgy. Councilor Dante Albo Abel’s home at around 4:30 a.m., according to police reports. An unidentified assailant stabbed Guarte in the chest.
Despite managing to call for help and being rushed to a nearby hospital, Guarte did not survive the injuries.
The Philippine sports community was shaken by the news. “We are still in shock, very sad,” said Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation president Alberto Agra.
Tributes poured in from friends and fellow athletes, including Olympic boxing medalists Nesthy Petecio and Eumir Felix Marcial, who expressed their condolences for the loss of a national sports icon.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.