Plunged 80 meters

Family Hike Ends in Tragedy: Father Dead!

The climber came to rest in the area marked by the red circle. The body was recovered by the police helicopter.(Bild: Krone-Collage/Christof Birbaumer, zoom.tirol, Krone KREATIV)

It was supposed to be a shared adventure in the high mountains, but for a family from Germany, the hike in the Zillertal valley in Tyrol ended in tragedy on Saturday. A 64-year-old German man fell about 80 meters down steep, rocky terrain while descending from the Olperer in front of his son and nephew, sustaining fatal injuries.

The 64-year-old from Hesse was hiking with his 38-year-old son and his nephew (36). The group had spent the night at the Olperer Hut and set out toward the summit (3,476 meters) around 7:45 a.m. Around 11:15 a.m., the three climbers reached their destination.

Son and nephew suddenly heard a scream
After a short break, the trio began their descent via the same route they had used to ascend. “Around 1:00 p.m., the son and nephew suddenly heard a scream behind them. When they turned around, they saw the 64-year-old father and uncle, respectively, fall about 80 meters down the steep, rocky terrain,” the Alpine Police described the sequence of events.

When they turned around, they saw the 64-year-old father and uncle, respectively, fall about 80 meters down the steep, rocky terrain.

Ermittler von der Alpinpolizei

The two relatives immediately descended to the victim, called emergency services, and began CPR. Other climbers who noticed the situation rushed to their aid and assisted with first aid.

Direct Helicopter Flight Not Possible
The emergency medical helicopter, which had been alerted, was initially unable to fly directly to the accident site due to weather conditions. The emergency physician was therefore dropped off at a landing site below the accident site and then had to ascend approximately 200 meters on foot to reach the accident site, the Alpine Police added.

Meanwhile, the emergency medical helicopter transported ten rescue workers from the Ginzling and Tux mountain rescue stations, as well as one alpine police officer, to the scene. They, too, subsequently made their way up to the accident site.

Succumbed to Severe Injuries at the Scene
After the emergency physician arrived, he continued resuscitation efforts. Unfortunately, however, it was too late. Despite extensive efforts, the 64-year-old man succumbed to his severe injuries at the scene of the accident.

KIT team provided support to the victim’s relatives
After the police investigation at the scene was completed, the body was recovered by mountain rescue personnel and subsequently transported away by police helicopter. In addition, a crisis intervention team (KIT) was on the scene to provide support to the victim’s family.