Hiker dies after rockfall in Pyrénées mountains

A 71-year old man died in the Pyrénées mountains on Sunday (December 1) after rocks fell on his group during a hike. 

The man, who has not been named, lived near Bordeaux and was walking with five others in the Ourde commune (Hautes-Pyrénées).

They were following a hiking trail.

Emergency services were called but the hiker succumbed to his injuries before they arrived and was pronounced dead on the scene. His body was taken off the mountainside by helicopter. 

In a separate incident, the body of a 62-year old woman was found near Lac d'Oô (Haute-Garonne), at an altitude around 1,500m. Authorities are unsure of the nature of the woman’s death.

Increase in mountain rescue incidents 

Mountain rescue services in France noted a rise in incidents this summer, with callouts increasing 44% compared to last summer. 

Between June and August, 300 interventions involving 342 people were carried out by rescue teams.

Read more: British hiker's disappearance in France highlights importance of safety tech