Elderly Kerala tourist dies at Srinagar hotel

Srinagar, Sep 16: A 72-year-old male tourist from Kerala was declared dead at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar on Tuesday after being found unconscious at a hotel in Rajbagh area of the city.

Officials said that the tourist, identified as PJ Joseph, son of Josipah, a native of Kerala, was discovered unconscious at a private hotel located in Rajbagh Kursoo. He was immediately shifted to SMHS Hospital by hotel staff and locals, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Hospital sources confirmed that Joseph was brought without any vital signs and despite efforts, he could not be revived. Doctors have listed the cause of death as yet to be ascertained pending medico-legal procedures.

Police have taken cognizance of the matter and initiated proceedings under section 174 of the CrPC. first-aid and immediate response facilities.

Authorities have urged tourists, particularly elderly travelers, to undergo routine health checkups before embarking on long journeys to high-altitude destinations like Kashmir, where weather and travel exertion can take a toll.

As of now, police are awaiting the post-mortem report to ascertain the exact cause of death. [KNT]