It is The Dauphiné liberated which reveals this information. A tragedy occurred on Monday August 11 in the Massif des Écrins, in Isère, where a hiker of around 60 years old, “Coming from the south of France for the holidays”according to the local newspaper, lost his life on the GR 54.
During a walk towards Lake Labarre, a misstep precipitated it in a steep slope, before it crosses a rocky bar and dropped about thirty meters in the void.
Despite the rapid intervention of the rescuers of the CRS Alpes and a doctor from the Samu 38, who arrived by the civil security helicopter, his death was noted on the spot.
His body was hellted before being entrusted to the funeral pumps.
GR 54, a difficult route
This dramatic accident is unfortunately not an isolated case: the summer season sees numerous incidents in the Alpine massifs each year, with an average of more than a hundred deaths related to hiking in France each year. Isère is particularly affected during the month of August, specifies The Dauphiné liberated.
Among the main causes are sliding on steep or unstable path, fatigue and sometimes the lack of network to quickly alert help.
The GR 54, itinerary deemed difficult by its technical passages and its high elevation, requires increased vigilance and suitable equipment.
The authorities recall the importance of preparing its release, consulting the weather and never underestimating the dangerousness of the high mountain, even in summer.
An investigation was opened to establish the precise circumstances of the accident.