An Australian tourist’s dream trip to Peru ended in tragedy after he fell 1,000 feet into a ravine while hiking near Machu Picchu.
Matthew Cameron Paton, 42, was trekking the famous Inca Trail on Wednesday when authorities say he fell down a steep slope near the “50 Gradas” section of the trail.
Members of the High Mountain Rescue Unit later recovered his body on Thursday.
Paton had reportedly been hiking with a group of tourists and a guide when the deadly fall happened. Authorities said he was reported missing after apparently falling through a broken railing along the trail.
An investigation is now underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death. His body is expected to be transferred to a nearby town.
Cusco Police Region Chief General Virgilio Velasquez said search and rescue teams were launched after officials received reports of a missing man.
“We have information indicating that he apparently tripped while crossing a wooden bridge and he likely tried to hold onto the wooden railing,” Velasquez said.
“But it gave way and he slipped into the abyss along with it,” he added. “Unfortunately, he fell down the ravine.”
Paton’s devastated family said they were “shattered” by the news. They also revealed that traveling to Peru had long been one of his dreams.
“Family was the most important thing to Matt,” his family said in a statement. “He was dedicated to his family including his wife of 31 years and their three children.”
“He adored his family. And we adored him,” the statement continued.
Back home in Australia, Paton worked for Victoria Police and had served for 16 years. He was reportedly set to begin a new role as senior sergeant next month.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said Paton had “served with distinction for 16 years” and would be remembered for his “selflessness, amazing sense of humour, extreme kindness and inclusion of all.”
The Police Association of Victoria also paid tribute to Paton, saying his work showed the care he had for both policing and his colleagues.
“Matt’s contribution to policing, through both his role in training police and as a TPAV Assistant Delegate, was representative of the care and concern he had for his colleagues and his want to give back to policing,” the organization said.
A spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the agency is providing consular assistance to Paton’s family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” the spokesperson said.
The shocking death comes as another tourist tragedy was reported in Europe. Earlier this week, a 38-year-old British tourist died after falling about 400 feet from a popular viewpoint at Mount Urgull in San Sebastian, Spain.
Police and emergency crews responded to the scene near the Paseo Nuevo promenade around 11 a.m. Saturday, but the man was pronounced dead.
Authorities in that case have also launched an investigation.
For Paton’s loved ones, what was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to one of the world’s most famous landmarks has now become an unimaginable loss.
Are they sure his wife didn’t ‘off’ him?
You always say such nasty things you must be a lonely miserable person.
It says he was 42 and left behind a wife of 31 years now that can’t be right, he looks about 62. Maybe double check your information.