Fatal Fall on Rysy Peak Claims One Tourist’s Life, Injures Another

Two hikers fell from a great height on Rysy, the highest summit of the Polish‑Slovak Tatra range, on 4 June. One male tourist died at the scene, while a second tourist was seriously injured and air‑lifted to hospital. The rescue operation was led by the Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service (TOPR), involving around 30 rescuers. Poor weather – dense fog, snow and strong winds – initially prevented the use of a rescue helicopter; it was able to fly once conditions improved.

TOPR received the emergency call at about 14:00 and dispatched ground teams before the helicopter took off from Zakopane. Authorities warned that high‑altitude weather remains hazardous, urging climbers to carry appropriate equipment and monitor forecasts.