Athlete dies at 24 after taking fitness challenge in extreme heat
A 24-year-old woman died while taking part in a fitness event in Mexico, where the heat reached 96 degrees Farenheit (or about 35 degrees Celsius).
According to Daily Mail, Nayeli Clemente was among the participants of the Cholula Games, a CrossFit-licensed event that included various workouts such as metabolic conditioning, weightlifting, gymnastics, running, among others.
The athlete, who was also an avid gymgoer, had difficulty breathing and then fainted during the Team Pyramid Run, where players "take turns running increasingly longer distances before working back down," the media outlet stated.
She was immediately given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before an ambulance came, but died shortly upon arriving at the hospital.
In a GoFundMe page dedicated to Nayeli, her brother Kevin Clemente said she suffered a stroke and went into cardiac arrest.
How to avoid heat-related illnesses during workouts
Extreme heat is also being experienced in the Philippines during the summer season.
At the recently concluded 2025 elections, a 65-year-old man died after casting his ballot in Oas, Albay. Police said he felt dizzy while he was inside the precinct due to the day's sweltering heat. A day prior, state weather bureau PAGASA said 28 areas were set to have heat indexes hitting the "danger" level on May 12. Sangley Point, Cavite, and Catarman, Samar were forecast to have the highest heat index level, at 45C (113F).
It's important to stay cool under high heat, especially when you're working out.
In an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe, Dr. Karlo Dizon Baybayan—an emergency medicine resident physician—said that excessive heat increases one's risk of cardiac arrest during physical activities. According to him, less blood goes to the muscles and organs when the body cools itself, forcing the heart to work harder.
"During exercise, especially in the heat, dehydration can make this strain even worse. For people with underlying heart issues—or sometimes even healthy individuals—this can trigger serious heart problems, including stroke and cardiac arrest," he said. "The combined effect of heat, physical effort, and fluid loss can be too much for the heart to handle."
"Concurrently, excessive sweating results in fluid and electrolyte depletion, reducing plasma volume and disrupting cardiac conduction," Dr. Jan Michael Eli Bautista, a general practitioner based in Las Piñas, said.
Cardiologist Dr. Nyssa Elline Palileo told L!fe that cardiac arrest "happens when there is a problem in the electrical system which causes the heart to stop pumping blood." Stroke, meanwhile, is a disease caused by a problem in the blood vessels supplying our brain when they are "either blocked or ruptured," according to neurologist Dr. Miguela Marie Señga.
Dr. Eric John Marayag, who also specializes in cardiology, noted that a case of severe stroke may lead to cardiac arrest.
According to Baybayan, those who are at risk of heat-related cardiac events are older adults, young children, as well as individuals with heart disease, diabetes, and/or obesity. "Workers and athletes who aren't used to hot conditions can be vulnerable as well," he said.
Bautista highlighted the importance of early screening so undiagnosed conditions can be seen and treated at an earlier time.
Here are some things you can do to avoid heat-related illnesses during workouts, according to Baybayan and Bautista:
- Exercise early in the morning or later in the evening when it's cooler.
- Wear light, breathable clothing, and drink plenty of water before, during, and after physical activity.
- Rest in between exercises under shaded or cool areas, but if possible, try to give your body some time to get used to hot weather—gradually over a week or two for acclimation.
- Be extra careful during heatwaves especially if you're on medications that affect hydration or heart function.
- Cease activity if you experience dizziness, chest pain, or excessive fatigue.
- Allow your body to adjust to higher temperatures over several days, and avoid engaging in physical activities for prolonged periods of time in elevated temperatures.
