Father and Son Die in Austrian Hiking Accident After Rescue Attempt Goes Wrong
What began as a long-awaited father-son adventure in the Austrian Alps ended in heartbreak, as one son's final act of love became a fatal attempt to save his father.
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Two Israeli hikers died Monday in Austria's Stubai Alps when a father's fall prompted his son's fatal rescue attempt, Austrian police reported.
Eyal Keren, 58, slipped on a narrow rocky path during poor weather conditions and fell approximately 150 meters. His son Omer, 30, attempted to catch his father but lost his footing and plummeted 370 meters to his death. A third son, Yuval, witnessed the accident and attempted to resuscitate his father before rescue teams arrived by helicopter.
The Keren family from Koranit, a community in Israel's Misgav Regional Council, had been hiking the popular Stubai Trail near Innsbruck when the accident occurred. The group had flown to Germany on Sunday, rented a car, and driven to Austria for what was described as a long-planned family trip.
"There was light rain in the morning, and they hesitated about setting out," said Amir Pollak, chairman of the Koranit community council. "Fellow hikers told them the trail was easy, and indeed it's considered fairly simple. Eyal, who was very experienced and never took risks, wouldn't have done anything reckless."
Austrian authorities said low visibility and poor weather conditions may have contributed to the tragedy. The terrain, while considered accessible to hikers, features challenging sections that require experience and proper conditions.
Eyal Keren worked as a maintenance manager for the northern region of the Yashir company. Both Omer and Yuval had served extended reserve duty with the Israel Defense Forces, with Omer having married 18 months ago but continuing his military service. The family had lived in Koranit for 30 years and were known for their love of hiking and outdoor activities.
Police helicopters, mountain rescue teams, fire services, and search dogs participated in the recovery operation. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The surviving son was airlifted to safety and was expected to return to Israel Tuesday night. The bodies are scheduled to arrive in Israel on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the local mountain rescue unit described the area as "very challenging, even for experienced hikers." The incident occurred on the second day of the family's hiking trip, after they had spent the night at a mountain cabin along the trail.