Ottio died of severe heatstroke

KATO OTTIO’S sudden death is believed to have been caused by severe heatstroke. Ottio, who was due to travel to England today to start his career with Widnes in the Super League, died on Tuesday in Papua new Guinea. He collapsed after a five-mile run with his former PnG Hunters team-mates and was taken to the Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby. ‘Kato was brought to PIH in a critically ill condition which appeared to be complications of a possible severe heatstroke,’ said Dr Paul Alexander, the hospital’s acting medical director. ‘Unfortunately, despite all treatment measures, the patient’s medical condition deteriorated and he finally succumbed during the early hours of January 9.’ Ottio’s manager, Steve Deacon, said the 23-year-old had decided to continue running after the rest of the squad had finished. He added: ‘He was a great guy and I’m just devastated.’