Lo, 65, was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital where he was certified dead.

Lo was the son of Lo Ka-chung, founder of the Foo Hang Jewelry. He was also its vice president.

At 12.18pm, police received a report that a hiker from a group of 17 had plunged 100m near Sky Cliff at a section of Nei San stream.

He sustained multiple injuries.

The trail's difficulty is said to be rated "five stars" and that it is a challenge for even the most experienced hikers.

Chung Kin-man, founder of the Hong Kong Mountaineering Training Center, said inexperienced hikers are advised to stay away from Nei San stream and the "slippery" Sky Cliff.

"Hikers would have to know how to properly harness the ropes, which could degrade from weather conditions. Since the rope would be close to a body of water, it would weaken rapidly from repeated exposure to moisture and sunlight," he added.

"Hiking with too many people would mean more people to worry about, but having too few by your side could also mean limited support," he said.

The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department lists the Sky Cliff and the Nei San stream as high risk as both have seen fatalities in the past.

cjames.lee@singtaonewscorp.com