Tragic end: missing Klagenfurterin found on the Katschberg

Tragic end: missing Klagenfurterin found on the Katschberg

On March 25, 2025, the tragic news was spread that a lawsuit missing since August 2024 was found dead at the Katschberg. The 74-year-old woman had left her hotel on August 12, 2024 and had disappeared without a trace since then. A winter athlete discovered her body in a difficult to access, rocky terrain, which required the recovery by the police. A subsequent autopsy confirmed the identity of the missing woman.

The extensive search that started immediately on August 13, 2024 included almost 100 emergency services. On this day, 40 members of the mountain rescue, 19 dog handler and fire brigades from St. Michael, Ramingstein and Katschberg took part in the search, supported by the police with drones and a helicopter. Nevertheless, the search was canceled on the evening of August 13. The fire brigade's press spokesman, Thomas Keidel, made it clear that the search was initially interrupted due to the darkness and the difficult conditions in the alpine terrain, but should continue the next day. Unfortunately, the woman was missing for almost five months until her discovery.

background of the missing persons

The tragedy around the Klagenfurter also reflects the fate of many hikers who are missing in the mountains. According to the Allgäuer Zeitung , several missing cases have been left in Bavaria last year. While in many cases, relatives of missing hikers switch on the police and mountain rescue service, it is often possible to locate and save missing people. In some cases, such as that of a 62-year-old from Oberstdorf, who has been missing since September 14, 2020, the fates remain unclear.

The reporting of missing persons is a common and worrying reality in the Alps. Search actions are delayed or even canceled, especially in adverse weather conditions and rough terrain. The possibility that better weather conditions could inspire hopes for clarification remains a constant topic. In the tragic case on the Katschberg, the challenges and risks that hike in the mountains brings.