A witness has described his final encounter with a 74-year-old experienced hiker who was later found dead in a remote mountainous area in central Greece, shedding new light on the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
The body of the veteran mountaineer was recovered from a ravine after a two-day search operation. He had gone missing during a climb on Mount Velouchi, a popular but challenging hiking destination. His son formally identified the body.
According to the witness, a fellow hiker who crossed paths with the victim and his group on the trail, the meeting appeared routine at the time. The two exchanged a brief greeting and discussed weather conditions higher up the mountain before continuing in opposite directions.
“He asked how things were at the top, what the weather was like, if the terrain was clear,” the witness recalled in an account published online. “We exchanged a ‘hello’ and a smile, the kind that gives you strength for the next stretch.”
Shortly after the encounter, conditions deteriorated rapidly. The witness described how the weather changed within minutes, with visibility dropping to zero as heavy snowfall and strong winds swept across the mountain.
“The mountain showed its harsh side,” he said. “A white curtain covered everything, and the route became a battle with the elements.”
The sudden shift in weather is believed to have played a critical role in the incident, as the experienced climber continued his ascent with a group.
The victim was a well-known figure in the hiking community, serving as president of a mountaineering club and having extensive experience on both domestic and international routes. Fellow climbers described him as a leader, often referring to him as “captain.”
Messages of condolence from friends and colleagues have poured in, highlighting his deep connection to the mountains and his longstanding contribution to the hiking community.
Authorities have not released further details on the exact cause of death, as the investigation into the incident continues.
