The 33-year-old ice climber was swept down by an avalanche on the western Geierkopf in the municipality of Reutte, while his 37-year-old comrade from Canada survived injured. The 72-year-old hiker hit the back of her head after falling on icy ground in Nassereith (Imst district), the Tyrol State Police Department announced on Monday.
Carried away by an avalanche
The two ice climbers set off on touring skis from the Ammerwalder Alm parking lot on Sunday morning. At around 9 a.m. they were at the “Marihuanabam” entrance, where they roped up. After successfully completing the route, they wanted to continue to the “Scotch on the Rocks” route. The 33-year-old climbed ahead on steep terrain using ropes and after a short time probably triggered an avalanche. This took both men away. Below the entrance, the rope got caught on a larger rock and stopped the two men. The 37-year-old suffered unspecified injuries and made an emergency call. The emergency doctor could only determine that the 33-year-old was dead.
Slipped on icy ground
According to police, the 72-year-old was traveling on a cycle path that was closed in winter at around 1.40 p.m. when she slipped on the heavily icy surface. She fell backwards to the ground and hit her back on the hard ground. Her companions made an emergency call and began resuscitation measures. Continued by the Nassereith rescue team and the emergency doctor from the rescue helicopter, these measures were unsuccessful. The body was recovered by mountain rescue. The Innsbruck public prosecutor ordered an autopsy.
