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Tragedy in the Alps: 56-year-old from BW dies while climbing
A 56-year-old woman from Baden-Württemberg died while climbing in Switzerland. The accident occurred on July 13, 2025.
Tragedy in the Alps: 56-year-old from BW dies while climbing
A tragic accident occurred in the Swiss Alps on July 13, 2025, when a 56-year-old woman from Baden-Württemberg had a fatal accident while climbing Schmalstöckli, an approximately 2,000 meter high rocky peak. The incident happened during the descent when the experienced mountaineer fell 100 meters and sustained fatal injuries. The police in the canton of Schwyz announced that several climbing groups were on the summit at the same time when the accident happened.
The dismayed community was hit by further difficulties: two climbers, a woman and a man, who were not part of the group of casualties, suffered injuries from the fall - one serious, the other minor. The rescue workers responded quickly and used two helicopters for rescue and medical care. Despite all efforts, only the fatal outcome for the 56-year-old could be determined. A cantonal “care team” was mobilized to look after the relatives of the deceased.
Investigations are ongoing
The police and the public prosecutor's office immediately began investigations into the accident. Assorted, no details about the possible cause of the accident were disclosed. The Schmalstöckli, known for its numerous climbing routes for beginners and advanced climbers, has attracted many mountaineers in the past, but this misfortune casts a shadow over safety in the Alps.
Statistics and safety in mountain sports
A look at the mountain emergency statistics shows that 3,668 people got into an emergency in the Swiss Alps and the Jura in 2022. This represents a slight decrease compared to 2021. Fatal accidents in classic mountain sports have decreased, but the danger remains. In particular, the number of crevasse falls on glaciers has increased - there were 70 last year. These numbers make it clear how important safety instructions and good preparation are, especially for mountain athletes who move in the often unpredictable Alps. According to the surveys, the proportion of foreign victims in fatal incidents is now 40%, indicating increasing travel activity.
The beautiful Swiss mountains have attracted many hikers and climbers, but nature knows no compromises. Every accident like the one that happened today is a sad reminder of the risks associated with mountain sports. In these challenging times, when only the summit is in sight for many, the question remains how we as a community can carry our concerns safely - to avoid such tragedies in the future.
It is important to remain alert and enjoy the beauty of nature with the necessary respect. Our thoughts are now with the relatives of those who died in the accident and those injured. The police will continue to report on the exact background.