A 32-year-old devotee died while trekking to the Vellingiri Andavar hill temple in the Vellapathi section under the Boluvampatti Forest Range of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve on Friday (May 8, 2026), taking the death toll on the trekking route this season to eight.

The deceased was identified as Mayilsamy, from Kannamanichanur near Meenakshipuram in Coimbatore district.

According to Forest Department officials, information was received around 5.30 a.m. that a devotee was lying unconscious near Muzhangal Thittu on the route leading to the fourth hill in the Poondi South beat area. Following the alert, forest personnel along with dolly workers rushed to the spot and initiated rescue operations.

However, the devotee was found dead, officials said. The body was subsequently brought down to the Poondi foothills using a dolly.

Officials said the medical team, temple administration officials, and personnel from the Tamil Nadu Police at Alandurai police station were informed about the incident