(Kuching, 13th) A 38-year-old man was found dead yesterday (October 12) in the forest area along Jalan Lipus, Kanowit. It is believed that he died due to a sudden epileptic seizure while picking fruit.
Kanowit District Police Chief Superintendent Juna Gayoja stated that the deceased was identified as Philemon Bernard, and is believed to have lost consciousness after falling ill while with his father and friends in the orchard.
He said: "Preliminary investigations show that the deceased, along with his father and friends, went to an orchard in the forest area of Jalan Lipus that day to pick fruits and set up nets. Shortly after, his friend noticed he suddenly experienced an epileptic seizure and then collapsed and lost consciousness."
He stated in an interview that police received a report at 7:52 PM and immediately dispatched officers and firefighters to the scene, which was about 26 kilometers from the main road.
"Because most of the route consists of hilly and muddy terrain, it took over an hour to reach the site. Upon arrival, the rescue team found the deceased lying on the side of a forest trail, still dressed in full clothing."
After examination by Kanowit Hospital doctors, it was confirmed there were no signs of foul play on the body, and he was pronounced dead at 11:50 PM. The case has been classified as a Sudden Death Report (SDR).
The deceased's family informed authorities that he had suffered from epilepsy since childhood, and since there was no indication of a crime involved, the family declined an autopsy.