A young hiker has died after falling 300 meters from the unmarked Starolesny Peak in the Tatra Mountains, marking the second fatal accident during the recent long weekend.
The Search Operation
On Saturday evening (June 6), the family of a young hiker who had set out alone contacted the Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (TOPR). The man had climbed Starolesny Peak (Bradavica, 2489 m a.s.l.), where no marked trails exist, and sent a photo to his relatives before contact was lost.
Polish rescuers notified their Slovak counterparts at the Mountain Rescue Service (HZS), who launched a drone search, though dense fog severely hindered the operation. Authorities also located the man’s vehicle at a parking area in Tatranska Polianka.
Recovery of the Body
Search efforts resumed on Sunday morning (June 7). Rescuers discovered the man’s body in the Kvetnicovy Zlab (Flower Gully); he did not survive a fall estimated at 300 meters.
Warning on High-Altitude Conditions
The Tatra National Park warns that hazardous winter conditions persist above 2,000 meters, particularly on northern slopes and in gullies where snow patches remain. Officials urge hikers to possess appropriate winter equipment—crampons, ice axes, and helmets—and the necessary skills to use them.
Previous Fatalities
This incident is the second tragedy in the Tatras over the long weekend. On Thursday (June 4), a 50-year-old man died in a fall on the Polish side of the Rysy peak, leaving his female companion with serious injuries.
Conflicting Reports on Equipment
Regional Prosecutor Justyna Rataj-Mykietyn initially stated that the victim on Rysy had crampons in his backpack but was not wearing them during the accident. However, TOPR rescuers have disputed this, with unofficial reports indicating he was wearing crampons at the time of the fall, which rescuers later removed to prepare the body for transport.