Brit tourist, 76, collapses and dies of a heart attack in a churchyard after climbing 842 steps up to clifftop hamlet in Italy
British tourist, 76, collapses and dies of heart attack in a cemetery after climbing 842 steps to a clifftop hamlet in Italy
A 76-year-old British tourist died of a heart attack in a cemetery after climbing hundreds of steps to reach a clifftop hamlet popular with hikers in Italy.
The unnamed Briton collapsed on Tuesday after climbing the 842 steps to the hamlet of San Rocco on Mount Portofino, northern Italy.
Local media reported that emergency services were called after he collapsed in the hamlet’s cemetery.
They reportedly tried unsuccessfully to revive him in front of hundreds of tourists.
The police were also alerted to the incident. It is currently unknown whether the tourist’s relatives have already been informed of his death.
Mount Portofino and the surrounding region are popular with hikers
It is understood the as-yet unnamed tourist walked from nearby Camogli to San Rocco along the Via San Rocco, a paved walk less than a mile long and a maximum height of 650 feet.
According to Hiker Project, a hike rating platform, the last third of the hike is particularly difficult, with slopes of up to 22 degrees.
The hike is listed as ‘average’ on Hiker Project.
San Rocco is popular with hikers, who often start at the village before walking through the area.
It is located approximately 300 meters above sea level and offers elevated views of the Ligurian Sea.
More to follow.