Husband Killed and Wife Critically Injured After Falling Off 200 Ft. Cliff While Sledding

A New Year’s Day sledding trip in the Austrian Alps ended in horror after a husband and wife plunged more than 200 feet off a mountainside cliff — killing the man and leaving his wife fighting for her life.

The tragedy unfolded on Rabantalm mountain in East Tyrol, Austria, where the 63-year-old man and his 58-year-old wife were sledding when they lost control, slid off the marked path, and were sent tumbling down a steep, rocky slope, according to multiple Austrian outlets.

Police said the terrain drops off suddenly in that area, transitioning into an almost vertical rock face. The couple reportedly fell around 82 feet straight down before continuing another 164 feet along a heavily wooded slope covered lightly with snow.

The husband suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. His wife was critically injured in the fall.

According to Tyrol police, other sledders heading up the mountain noticed fresh sled tracks extending beyond the edge of the trail. Moments later, they heard screams and immediately called for emergency help.

First aid was initially administered by the couple’s daughter and son-in-law, both 23, who had been sledding with them. Despite their efforts, an emergency physician later pronounced the man dead.

Members of the Lienz mountain rescue team recovered his body following an on-site investigation. A total of 22 rescue personnel assisted at the scene.

The injured woman was airlifted to Lienz District Hospital before being transferred to Klagenfurt Regional Hospital due to the severity of her injuries. Authorities confirmed that a crisis intervention team is now supporting the family.

The devastating accident comes amid heightened concern over alpine safety in Austria. Just last month, prosecutors charged a man in connection with the death of his girlfriend on Grossglockner, where she allegedly froze to death after being left behind near the summit in sub-zero conditions.

That case, involving charges of grossly negligent manslaughter, shocked the country and reignited debate over safety and responsibility during winter mountain excursions.

As investigators continue reviewing the sledding accident in East Tyrol, authorities are once again urging extreme caution on alpine trails — especially during icy winter conditions where a single misstep can turn deadly in seconds.