Australian Man Dies in Fall on Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
An Australian man has died after falling down a ravine while hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, according to local authorities.
Rescue personnel from the High Mountain Rescue Unit in Cusco discovered the body of Matthew Cameron Paton, 53, on Thursday. His body was found approximately 300 meters (984 feet) down an abyss near the "50 Gradas" section of the trail.
Paton, who had arrived in Cusco about 12 days prior with his wife, was reported missing on Wednesday after falling through a broken railing during a hike along the renowned Peruvian mountain trail. He was accompanied by a group of tourists and a guide, police reported.
Authorities have announced they will investigate the circumstances surrounding the fall. Paton's body is expected to be transferred to a nearby town.
Search and Rescue Operations
Cusco Police Region Chief General Virgilio Velasquez stated that search and rescue efforts began on Wednesday following reports of the missing man.
"We have information indicating that he apparently tripped while crossing a wooden bridge and he likely tried to hold onto the wooden railing," Velasquez said, according to the Peruvian news outlet Andina.
"But it gave way and he slipped into the abyss along with it. Unfortunately, he fell down the ravine," Velasquez added.
Statements from Police Association and Australian Authorities
The Police Association of Victoria (TPAV) expressed shock and sadness over the loss of one of their members in a tragic overseas accident.
"Matt's contribution to policing, through both his role in training police and as a TPAV Assistant Delegate, was representative of the care and concern he had for his colleagues and his want to give back to policing," the association said.
A spokesperson for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that consular assistance is being provided to the family of the deceased citizen.
"We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time," the spokesperson said.
