My brother died doing what he loves, UST prof’s sister says

The sister of Fernando Torres, the UST professor who died after joining a marathon, shared on Wednesday her brother's enthusiasm for running.

"Passionate talaga siya sa running... nagjo-join siya as a matter of fact recently almost weekend meron siyang run," said Hilda Torres in a report by Dano Tingcungco on GMA News TV's Balita Pilipinas.

"At least he died doing what he loves to do. Siguro peaceful naman na siya," Torres said.

Fernando died on Monday, a day after he participated in a 42-km marathon in Pasay City. 

The University of Santo Tomas professor suffered from arrhythmia and was confined at Manila Doctors' Hospital.

The Runrio Events Inc., the organizer of the running event, expressed sympathy over the death of Fernando.

"It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of one of our runners in the NatGeo Earth Day Run 2017 held last April 23. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Fernando Torres at this most difficult time," the company said in a statement.

The organizers already visited the wake of Fernando and expressed their condolences to the family, the report said.

Meanwhile, a cardiologist advised the public to undergo medical check-up before joining running activities.

"Kahit wala silang barado sa ugat ng puso, merong tinatawag na massive vasospasm na pwedeng magclose 'yung artery even without a block because of too much  external stress on the artery," Dr. Joey Montemayor said. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News