Climber Dies in Fall at Rathen‘s Mönch
Rathen, Germany - A 64-year-old climber died Saturday afternoon after a 15-meter fall while climbing the Mönch near Rathen in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
According to reports, the accident occurred around 2:20 p.m. Three of the four self-made loops used for securing the climb tore from the rock face, failing to arrest the climber’s descent. He fell to the ground and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Dresden mountain rescue service arrived within seven minutes of the alarm and immediately began resuscitation efforts, assisted by an emergency doctor flown in by helicopter. Despite their attempts, the climber-a native of Saxony who had been living in Bavaria-coudl not be saved. He regularly climbed in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Six volunteers from the Dresden mountain rescue service, including two doctors, recovered the body and transported it to a service hut, where it was met by criminal police. The climber’s companions, described as close friends, were also taken to the hut and are receiving support from the DRK Pirna crisis intervention team (KIT).
The Mönch is a popular climbing summit in Saxon Switzerland, known for its challenging routes.
