37-year-old Polish climber dies in Slovakia's High Tatras after a fall

A 37-year-old Polish man has died in the Slovak part of the Tatra Mountains. Rescuers believe he fell from the top of Jastrzębia Turnia (Hawk's Tower, a peak in the High Tatras).

Other climbers came across his body before noon on Sunday and raised the alarm. Rescuers from the High Tatras base and a helicopter crew were sent straight to the Červená dolina valley (Red Valley).

According to the Slovak Mountain Rescue Service, the man most likely fell from a height of more than 100 metres. Early findings point to very serious injuries that proved fatal. His body was flown by helicopter to Ždiar, a village at the foot of the mountains.

Slovak rescuers were also searching the same area for a missing Slovak tourist at the time.

The rescue service reminds hikers and climbers to be extremely careful. Even experienced people who know the terrain can be caught out, and autumn weather in the High Tatras is unpredictable, with slippery trails. Slovak authorities are investigating the accident.