DFA Confirms Death of Filipino at Hong Kong Disneyland
HEART ATTACK? – A Filipino tourist died while on vacation at Hong Kong Disneyland, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed.
The 53-year-old man reportedly collapsed while riding the “Frozen Ever After” attraction around 10 a.m. on August 29. Park staff and emergency responders immediately administered first aid before rushing him to North Lantau Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead at around 11:30 a.m.
In a statement, the DFA said the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong had already coordinated with local police to verify the incident and had contacted the victim’s family to extend condolences. The Consulate is also assisting the relatives with arrangements to repatriate his remains, while emphasizing that the family’s privacy will be respected during this time of grief.
Initial reports from the South China Morning Post revealed that the tourist had a history of hypertension and other heart-related conditions requiring regular medication. His wife told authorities that he had long struggled with these health issues. Doctors later confirmed that his death was linked to his pre-existing medical condition and not to the safety of the ride. Hong Kong Disneyland likewise issued a statement clarifying that the incident was unrelated to the attraction itself.
Following the tragedy, the park announced that the Frozen Ever After ride would be temporarily closed from August 31 to September 19 for what it described as “operational adjustments.”
This was not the first fatal incident involving a Filipino tourist in Hong Kong this month. On August 5, a 35-year-old visitor was killed after being struck by a taxi outside his hotel. Reports said the 80-year-old driver lost control of his vehicle after feeling dizzy, hitting the tourist who had just checked out and was walking with his luggage. The driver attempted to flee but was later arrested.