Extreme sports influencer dies after cycling off volcano

Extreme sports enthusiast and social media personality David Ernesto Villarreal Pérez tragically lost his life while attempting a high-risk descent down Mexico’s tallest volcano, Pico de Orizaba, by bicycle.

The 27-year-old and his friend, Brandon Arturo Pérez Guerrero, had ascended the towering peak on Wednesday, February 12, reaching its summit at 5,636 meters (18,491 feet) above sea level.

Pico de Orizaba, the highest volcano in North America and the third highest peak on the continent, is a daunting challenge for even the most experienced adventurers.

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The two began their descent, navigating the treacherous slopes on their bikes.

However, as they reached a notoriously rugged section known as El Sarcófago (The Coffin), Villarreal lost control of his bicycle.

David Ernesto Villarreal Pérez. (Picture: Jam Press)

The extreme terrain proved unforgiving—he fell violently, striking his head and losing consciousness at an altitude of more than 5,100 meters (16,732 feet).

His friend immediately called for emergency assistance around midday, but due to the remote location and challenging conditions, it took rescuers hours to reach them.

Authorities from Puebla state confirmed that the difficult, mountainous terrain, combined with the harsh weather at such high altitudes, made a helicopter rescue impossible, forcing the rescue team to make the ascent and descent entirely on foot.

Rescuers finally reached Villarreal and his companion at 7:30 p.m. Miraculously, despite his severe injuries, he was still alive at that point. He was carefully placed on a stretcher, and the team began the painstaking process of bringing him down the volcano.

Tragically, by 8 p.m., Villarreal no longer showed any signs of life. Preliminary reports indicate he succumbed to massive blood loss and multiple fractures. His friend, Pérez, managed to descend on foot.

David Ernesto Villarreal Pérez. (Picture: Jam Press)

Villarreal, originally from Monterrey, had built a significant following on social media, boasting more than half a million followers and subscribers across various platforms.

His daring adventures and passion for extreme sports had earned him widespread recognition, and in 2020, he made headlines after spending a full month living on Pico de Orizaba.

His girlfriend, Arantza Cavazos, shared a heartfelt tribute, writing, “You were an incredible man, David.

David Ernesto Villarreal Pérez and Arantza Cavazos. (Picture: Jam Press)

I hope to meet you again in another life and have all the adventures we planned together.”

Villarreal leaves behind his grieving parents and siblings, as well as a devoted fanbase that followed his every adventure.

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SOURCE: Extreme sports influencer falls to death while cycling down volcano