Hungarian firefighter dies during competition in Oberstdorf

A 51-year-old firefighter from Hungary died following a medical emergency during the Schanzenlauf competition at the Heini-Klopfer-Skiflugschanze in Oberstdorf, Germany. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2026, while the participant was ascending the ski jump.

The competition required participants to climb over 1,000 steps while wearing full firefighting protective gear, including breathing apparatus, covering an elevation gain of more than 200 meters. The man collapsed in the upper third of the ascent. Although medical personnel reached him within one minute and performed resuscitation efforts for approximately 30 minutes, he passed away at the scene.

Following the fatality, organizers immediately canceled the competition and all subsequent program items. The recovery of the deceased was carried out by the Bergwacht Oberstdorf and a rescue helicopter. Emergency pastoral care was provided to relatives.