This is reported by American media and is confirmed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “We are aware of the death of a 23-year-old Dutch man who lived in Utrecht,” said a spokesperson. “We are in contact with the family and providing consular assistance at this very difficult and sad time.”
Statement
The Utrecht resident was sitting on the cliff with his feet on a lower rock and was having breakfast when he suddenly slumped over and fell, Hillary Taylor reported, who issued a statement on behalf of the family. “He was the most vibrant, empathetic, personable, fun and crazy man you could ever meet,” she wrote. “If you met him along the way, I’m sure you would remember him.”
The hiker was seriously injured after his fall from about fifteen meters and was flown with critical injuries by rescue services, who, among other things, came into action with a helicopter after they were warned. About 30 firefighters and three police officers rushed to the scene to rescue him, local authorities said in a statement. Rescuers managed to reach him after a short time and provided assistance on the spot before carrying him up a steep and rocky path to reach an all-terrain vehicle at the top. The vehicle took him to a medical helicopter, which took him to a regional hospital, where he died later that day.
The drama happened Sunday morning local time at the so-called ‘McAfee Knob’, which belongs to the Apallachian Trail, Virginia officials said, according to US media. The Appalachian Trail is a 3,500-mile long marked hiking trail through the Appalachians, a mountain range in the eastern United States and is believed by many to be the longest hiking trail in the world. About 3 million people visit the region every year. The McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed places on the Appalachian Trail. It sits on the top of Catawba Mountain, which has a height of almost a kilometer and is considered one of the highlights of the area. It is also one of the most popular walks on the east coast and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains.