Overview

• An 83-year-old monk at Erzabtei Sankt Ottilien in Upper Bavaria died following a fire that started when his habit ignited during a candle-lighting ritual on May 16, 2025.
• The fire was quickly extinguished with a blanket, but the monk later succumbed to complications, possibly related to stress from the incident.
• Police have ruled out third-party involvement and continue to investigate the precise medical cause of death.
• The monastery described the incident as a 'tragic accident' and has called for prayers for their deceased brother.
• The Abbey of St. Ottilien, home to around 80 monks, is known for its traditional use of candles in its historic chapel, highlighting inherent fire risks in such settings.