A British tourist, aged 20, tragically lost his life while attempting to cross the “Monkey Bridge” on Spain’s Caminito del Rey, often considered one of the most dangerous walkways in the world. The incident occurred near El Chorro, approximately 43 miles from Malaga, on December 11. Reports indicate that the man suffered a fatal fall while traversing a via ferrata, which uses steel cables, ladders, and wires bolted into the rock to assist climbers.
Rescue efforts were launched immediately after those accompanying him alerted authorities. The Guardia Civil dispatched a helicopter and a mountain rescue team to the scene. Despite performing CPR and airlifting the tourist to a nearby heliport where medical teams awaited, his death was confirmed on arrival. A spokesperson confirmed that the man suffered cardiac arrest following the fall, which left him unconscious.
The Caminito del Rey, originally built in 1905 for workers at a power station, is a five-mile-long trail clinging to cliffs with steep drops. Though it underwent extensive safety renovations and reopened in 2015, it remains a magnet for thrill-seekers. The path’s dangerous reputation persists, with another incident reported earlier this year involving a man who fell but survived after landing in a tree.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in extreme outdoor activities. While the trail attracts thousands of visitors annually, authorities urge hikers to take precautions and adhere to safety guidelines to avoid further accidents.
