14 August 2025 , 13:36
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Mayor of Austrian town Spital am Pyhrn dies during mountain hike in Carinthia
According to Der Standard, the mayor of Spital am Pyhrn in Upper Austria, Egidius Exenberger, died during a hiking trip on Wednesday.
The 67-year-old man fell about 15 meters into a rocky ravine on the popular Däumling via ferrata route in the Nassfeld area of Hermagor district.
Exenberger had set out on the excursion with his 57-year-old companion. While crossing the first rope bridge, he lost his balance midway and fell into the ravine. His companion immediately alerted emergency services. According to police, they arrived by helicopter, but medics could only confirm the mayor’s death.
The Carinthia police department cited “improper use of the protected climbing route combined with combined safety harnesses” as the cause of the accident.
The Social Democratic Party of Upper Austria expressed shock over Exenberger’s sudden death. Acting party leader and former health minister Alois Steger praised him in a statement as “an exemplary, dedicated mayor.”
Politics Editor