Overview
- Rescuers found the missing 69-year-old near Grünwaldalm on Sunday afternoon after an aerial crew from the Pelikan 2 helicopter spotted the body and teams later confirmed the discovery.
- The search began when the man failed to return from a hike around Pragser Wildsee and grew into a multi-agency operation involving Bergrettung, fire brigades, Carabinieri, Guardia di Finanza, drones and search dogs.
- Poor visibility from dense fog made the search difficult across the wide, rugged area and forced teams to rely on aerial overflights and cell-tower data to narrow search zones.
- Regional media have reported the deceased as Gottfried Dieter Meyer and authorities say family members were informed while forensic investigators continue to determine the exact circumstances and cause of death.
- The incident highlights the scale and difficulty of rescue work in the 25,500-hectare Naturpark Fanes-Sennes-Prags, a popular hiking area where remote terrain and sudden weather changes can hamper timely help.