A 71-year-old hiker lost his life on Sunday December 1, 2024. He was killed by falling stones in the Ourde en Barousse sector (Hautes-Pyrénées) while he was walking in a group of five people.
Sunday December 1, 2024, the Ourde en Barousse sector (Hautes-Pyrénées), known for its wild landscapes and popular with mountain hiking enthusiasts, was the scene of a tragedy. A 71-year-old hiker from Haute-Garonne lost his life after being seriously injured by a falling rock.
The accident occurred while the man was walking in a group of five people. The exact circumstances of the landslide remain to be clarified, but the violence of the impacts left the victim no chance. Immediately alerted, the gendarmes from the Haute-Montagne Gendarmerie Platoon (PGHM) of Pierrefitte-Nestalas quickly intervened.
An operation was carried out with the support of the national gendarmerie helicopter, the Choucas 65. Unfortunately, the septuagenarian succumbed to his very serious injuries.
The Ourde sector
Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, the Ourde en Barousse sector offers breathtaking panoramas and trails appreciated for their tranquility and authenticity. But as in any mountain area, natural hazards, such as falling rocks, pose an inherent risk for hikers.
This accident reminds us of the importance of caution when going out into the mountains, particularly at this time of year when weather conditions and natural phenomena can be unpredictable.
The authorities are calling on hiking enthusiasts to be extra vigilant, to prepare their routes carefully, and to find out about the conditions before venturing into potentially exposed areas. The Ourde tragedy highlights the need to remain cautious even for experienced hikers.
