MANILA, Philippines—National Track and Field athlete Rafael Poliquit passed away due to complications from subdural empyema on Thursday. He was 30 years old.
Poliquit reportedly passed away at 2:21 pm at V. Luna Medical Center after falling into a coma for several days, according to a post by Philippine Sports Commission on Facebook.
Poliquit was a three-time Milo Marathon champion and he was supposed to represent the Philippines in the marathon event of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
The national team athlete, who was also an Airman 2nd Class with the Philippine Air Force, clocked in at 2:29:47 in the 2018 Milo Marathon to earn his spot in the 2019 SEA Games that the Philippines will host.
Poliquit also represented the Philippines in the 2016 Boston Marathon.