Overview
- The bodies, located Saturday by a civil-protection helicopter, were recovered by winch from a ridge between Monte Piombada and Monte Bottai near the Chianzutan pass.
- Authorities identified the victims as a 23-year-old Austrian and a 24-year-old U.S. citizen who lived in Germany.
- Friulian mountain rescue reported an accidental fall after the hikers lost their footing on a steep, grass-covered slope in poor conditions.
- A large search began after their motor scooter was found at the pass, with mountain rescue, fire brigades, the Guardia di Finanza, volunteers, drones, and speleological specialists combing trails and huts.
- Heavy rain and thick fog cut visibility during the operation, and the Carnic Prealps’ grassy slopes are known to turn treacherous when soaked.