Tourist dies in fall in Italian Dolomites

A 36-year-old tourist, Michelle Alejandra Rubio Leiva, died after falling more than 300 meters in the Italian Dolomites. The accident occurred near Forcella Pordoi, a mountain pass above Canazei, while the victim was attempting to take a panoramic photograph.

Rubio Leiva, a Guatemalan national living in the United States, had reportedly moved to Rome in 2025 to work as a digital nomad. She was hiking with her family at an altitude of approximately 2,750 meters toward a cable car station for Sass Pordoi when she lost her balance after moving away from the marked trail.

Rescue teams deployed mountain specialists and a medical helicopter to the scene. Rescuers confirmed her death after descending to the site of the fall. The operation included the recovery of the body and the transport of her family members to Canazei.