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SPÖ mayor dies in fatal via ferrata accident in Carinthia
Fatal accident on the Däumling via ferrata in Hermagor: A 67-year-old falls due to incorrect equipment and dies.
SPÖ mayor dies in fatal via ferrata accident in Carinthia
On August 13, 2025, a tragic accident occurred on the via ferrata to Däumling in the Hermagor district, Carinthia. A 67-year-old man from Upper Austria, who reportedly served as the SPÖ mayor of the municipality of Spital am Pyhrn, lost his balance on the first rope bridge during his climb around 10 a.m. The man first fell about 15 meters into rocky terrain and then slipped another 30 meters. Despite the immediate alert from his 57-year-old partner, who informed the emergency services at 10:37 a.m., the emergency doctors who arrived from the RK1 rescue helicopter were only able to determine that the man was dead.
The Hermagor mountain rescue service and the “Libelle” police helicopter rescued the casualty using rope. According to the Hermagor Alpine police, improper use of the via ferrata set in combination with a combination harness was the cause of the accident. This safety equipment is essential on such mountain tours and should always be adjusted and used correctly.
The via ferrata to the Däumling
The Däumling, an impressive 2,197 meter high rocky peak in the Carnic Alps and located on the Austrian-Italian border, is part of the Nassfeld via ferrata park. This via ferrata is rated in difficulty between B/C to C and includes airy passages, steep wall steps and two rope bridges leading to the summit. The way back can be done either via the same route or by a short descent into Italian terrain.
The tragic incident sheds light on the risks of climbing and the need to strictly adhere to safety precautions. Especially in this type of sport, where it is often a matter of life and death, incorrect handling can have serious consequences. Every mountaineer should check their equipment before use and ensure that it meets the required safety standards.
During this time, when summer encourages many outdoor activities, it is especially important to be aware of the dangers that such exciting adventures can bring. The incident serves as a reminder to all of us to always be cautious and put safety first, no matter how experienced you are at climbing.
The people of Carinthia mourn the deceased mayor and express their condolences to his family and friends. Such tragic accidents make it clear that even the most experienced mountaineers can reach their limits and that nature deserves respect.