A high-performance athlete has been found dead after going missing during a race.
Patricio Factos’ body was found by army mountaineers.
It could not be recovered immediately, as it was in a ravine 700m deep and the weather conditions were adverse.
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The body of Patricio – also a soldier – was finally recovered at 11:40 am yesterday (21 May).
The 29-year-old trail runner disappeared during a high-altitude competition on Sunday (18 May).
He was last seen on a mountain in the Illinizas Ecological Reserve, south-west of Quito, Ecuador.
But he never made it to the finish line, and no trace of him could be found.
Firefighters, police, soldiers, and volunteers began searching for Patricio.
They used drones and specialised equipment in their bid to locate him.
Helicopters were also made available, but they could not take off due to the bad weather.
Sadly, more than 48 hours into the operation, the worst was confirmed.
Patricio was from Uyumbicho, south of Quito, as reported by Need To Know.
He was a distinguished soldier and a passionate trail runner who often took part in competitions.
Earlier this month, he took part in a high-altitude race in El Altar and won second place in the open category and seventh place overall.
His devastated mother, Karina Cevallos Factos, said: “You left us far too soon, in the prime of your youth, but you left doing what you loved most: mountaineering.
“There, among the mountains and open skies, you found your freedom and your joy.
“We are comforted by the thought that you were happy with every step you took, following your passion.
“Your spirit will continue to live on in the peaks you loved so deeply.”
A post-mortem to determine Patricio’s cause of death is underway.
An army spokesperson said: “The Ecuadorian Army extends its deepest condolences to the family, comrades, and friends of Second Corporal Patricio David Factos López.
“Honouring his life, his service to the nation, and his distinguished career as a military athlete.”
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