Two individuals tragically fell to their deaths approximately 300 meters while hiking on a mountain ridge. Alexandra Gheorge and Marco Stagi, climbing partners, sustained severe injuries during their trek towards the 4,228-meter peak of Mount Castor, located near the border of Switzerland and Italy.
The incident occurred on August 13, when the pair slipped from the mountain ridge they were crossing, landing on a glacier, likely influenced by adverse weather conditions. The fall, estimated to be between 200 to 300 meters, took place in an area with steep icy slopes. The alarm was raised at night when Alexandra’s boyfriend contacted rescuers upon her failure to return and inability to be reached.
Having spent the previous night at the Quintino Sella refuge in Felik, on the Italian side of the Monte Rosa massif, near the Swiss boundary, the duo embarked at dawn on Wednesday with the goal of reaching the summit of Mount Castor. Alexandra, aged 36 and an experienced climber with proper gear, along with Marco, presumably reached the summit and proceeded along the ridge to complete the traverse before descending the western slope towards Champoluc.
Although the path along the crest is relatively straightforward, it can pose risks in inclement weather. Reports from local media suggest that fog and wind might have obstructed visibility, complicating the identification of the descent route among the icy terrain.
A search conducted by the regional mountain rescue service via helicopter at daybreak initially yielded no leads. However, authorities later retrieved the final GPS signal transmitted from Alexandra’s watch. Following focused search efforts, the bodies were eventually located and recovered in the early afternoon. Alexandra, originally from Romania but residing in Campodarsego, Veneto, for an extended period, and Marco, 34, from Santa Maria a Monte, Tuscany, were the victims of the tragic incident.
While Marco’s family was in Ireland at the time, they were arranging to return to Italy. Alexandra, who described herself as a passionate individual fond of sports, aperitifs, and travel, expressed her love for exploring new places, experiencing diverse cultures and meeting people, cherishing sunrises and sunsets, running, and embracing new adventures worldwide.