Tragedy at Gigalitz: 28-year-old dies in front of a partner at Bergtour

Tragedy at Gigalitz: 28-year-old dies in front of a partner at Bergtour

On June 22, 2025, a tragic accident occurred in the Zillertal, in which a 28-year-old woman from Germany who lives in Tyrol lost her life during a mountain tour. The incident happened at the Gigalitz, a summit that rises at a height of 3001 meters, while the woman was on the descent with her 34-year-old partner and other hikers. The ascent led over the Greizer Hütte, a popular route for mountaineers and hikers who want to enjoy the beauty of the Tyrolean mountains.

Around 1:22 p.m. the woman stumbled about 100 meters of altitude below the summit. She then plunged over the steep, rocky south flank of the mountain and fell around 280 meters of altitude. Several witnesses who observed the accident immediately alerted the emergency services. The emergency medicine helicopter "C1" quickly brought help, but only found the death of the woman. This tragic incident not only affected her partner, but also other hikers.

reaction of the rescue workers

The rescue of the late woman took place with a police helicopter in the thaw. A crisis intervention team, which is specially trained to look after relatives and eyewitnesses, was also used on site to support those affected. The events surrounding the accident once again put a lightly on the dangers that exist in alpine terrain when hiking and mountaineering. Accidents like this occur again and again, often for a variety of reasons.

As reported in the past few weeks, the number of serious accidents in the mountains has risen alarming. On June 15, 2025, just one week before the tragic incident, three experienced mountaineers died from the lunch in Tyrol due to a lightning strike. Another hiker crashed 120 meters on the same day and died at the scene of the accident in Thiersee. These events show that the mountains have dangerous challenges despite their beauty that should not be underestimated by hikers. In the first half of June, several serious accidents occurred, which the mountain rescue, which often has to work under extreme conditions, presented great challenges.

The incident on the Gigalitz is another sad proof of the risks of mountaineering. The emergency services and crisis intervention teams are always ready, but nature cannot be controlled. Mountain hikers should therefore always be aware of the dangers and go to the mountains well prepared.