Hiking drama on the Stelvio Pass: 65-year-old falls to his death in front of his family

Hiking drama on the Stelvio Pass: 65-year-old falls to his death in front of his family

A tragic incident occurred on Friday, June 20, 2025, in the Stelvio National Park in South Tyrol when a 65-year-old hiker fell in front of his family. Loud Circle indicator The man was traveling with his wife and son when he suddenly felt sick. After a brief moment of discomfort, he lost his balance and fell about 100 meters.

The accident occurred around 10:45 a.m. Despite a quick response from the Pelikan 3 emergency medical helicopter, any help came too late. The casualty was rescued in collaboration with the Trafoi mountain rescue service and the financial guard, who transported the body to the Tibet hut using a cable winch. This hut, located at an altitude of around 2,800 meters, is a popular destination for hikers and part of the Stelvio National Park.

The Stelvio National Park

The Stelvio National Park (Italian: Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio) is one of the largest nature reserves in Europe and extends across several provinces in Italy, including Sondrio, Brescia, Bolzano-Alto Adige and Trentino-Alto Adige. The geographical boundaries of the park include the Münstertal and Vinschgau in the north and the Val di Sole in the south. The national park is known not only for its impressive landscapes, but also for its diverse flora and fauna, which covers all alpine climate zones.

The park was founded in 1935 and expanded in 1977 with the aim of promoting the natural development of the region without human interference. Hunting is prohibited in the park, while fishing is only permitted with special permits. Due to the high game population, special specialists are deployed for controlled shooting in order to prevent damage to the vegetation. The park's flora and fauna is extremely diverse, characterized by Alpine animals such as the golden eagle, the park's symbol.

Accident statistics in the Alps

The incident on the Stelvio Pass is not the only serious accident in the Alps this summer and is part of a series of mountain accidents. The authorities have begun an investigation to clarify the exact circumstances of the tragic fall. The national park is considered one of the most beautiful hiking areas in the Alps and offers something for every hiker, from easy walks to high alpine routes, which underlines the charm and at the same time the dangers of the region.

Hikers should always be aware of the risks and exercise the necessary caution, especially in such high alpine regions. It is recommended to prepare carefully and follow relevant safety measures to avoid accidents.