Prosecutor investigates death of Dr. Ivelina Bozhkova near Malovitsa peak

The Sofia District Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the death of Dr. Ivelina Bozhkova, a 52-year-old pediatrician and professor at Thracian University, who died following an accident near Malovitsa peak.

The incident occurred on August 22 when Dr. Bozhkova, part of a hiking group, reportedly slipped and fell 50 meters down a steep slope while descending. The fall resulted in a fatal skull fracture. The Mountain Rescue Service was alerted at approximately 14:10, and a military helicopter was utilized due to the difficult terrain to transport her to the Malovitsa resort area, where medical teams confirmed her death.

Contrary to some initial reports suggesting a lack of preparation, Dr. Bozhkova was an experienced mountaineer with a significant international climbing history. Her previous achievements include climbing Ama Dablam (6,812 m) and Island Peak (6,189 m) in Nepal, Mount Elbrus in Europe, and reaching 7,000 meters on Annapurna IV. She also had extensive experience climbing in the French and Italian Alps, Patagonia, and various locations in Bulgaria.