An Australian man has died in Peru after falling from a path while walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, in response to local authorities.
Members of the High Mountain Rescue Unit in the town of Cusco, where Machu Picchu is positioned, found the body of 52-year-old Matthew Cameron Paton, a Victoria Police Department sergeant, on Thursday about 400 metres down a steep slope near the “50 Gradas” section of the trail, in response to local outlet TVPerú Noticias.
Paton had been reported missing on Wednesday after he fell through a broken railing while mountain climbing the Peruvian mountain trail with a gaggle of tourists and a guide, police told BBC.
Cusco Police Region Chief General Virgilio Velasquez told TVPerú Noticias that police have “information indicating that he apparently tripped while crossing a picket bridge.”
“He likely tried to carry onto the picket railing, nevertheless it gave way and he slipped into the abyss together with it. Unfortunately, he fell down the ravine,” Velasquez added.
The police chief said that Paton’s body could be transferred to the town of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes.
Velasquez said that Paton was along with his wife on the time of the accident, they usually had each arrived in Peru as a part of a visit.
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“On the time of the accident, he was accompanied by his wife, with whom he had come from Australia. The deceased was a police officer by career, they usually were in Cusco for 12 days as tourists,” Velásquez added.
Authorities are investigating the explanation for the autumn.
Global News has reached out to the Cusco Police Region and the High Mountain Rescue Division of the National Police of Peru for further comment, but has not received a response.
The Victoria Police Department confirmed Paton’s death in an announcement to Global News, saying, “Victoria Police confirms one in all its members has tragically died after a fall while trekking the Inca Trail in Peru.”
“Sergeant Matt Paton’s body was sadly found this morning. We’re involved along with his wife Jane who was with him on holiday and family are flying to Peru from Australia. Local authorities are investigating the circumstances of the tragedy,” police added, noting that the Australian consulate, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Australian Federal Police are assisting within the investigation.
“Victoria Police is doing every little thing in its power to offer whatever support it could,” the statement continued. “Matt, 52, joined Victoria Police in 2009, initially serving at Cranbourne and Rosebud police stations before becoming an instructor on the Victoria Police Academy in 2017.”
The Victoria Police Department said that Paton’s passion for teaching recruits led to numerous other roles, including facilitating training for police responding to mental health events.
“He was recently chosen for a senior sergeant position and was resulting from start within the role next month,” police added.
“A proud Queenslander, he was a passionate follower of the Maroons and Brisbane Lions. Matt loved travelling, exploring historic sites and cultures. He’s survived by his wife and three children Ainsley, Luke and Meg,” the Victoria Police Department said.
Victoria Police Department’s Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said that the thoughts of everyone at Victoria Police “are with Matt’s family and friends presently.”
“Matt served with distinction for 16 years, most recently as an instructor on the Victoria Police Academy,” Bush said. “His colleagues and your entire policing family are devastated on the tragic lack of a beautiful, caring person.”
Bush added that Paton can be remembered for his selflessness, amazing sense of humour, extreme kindness and inclusion of all.”
The Blue Ribbon Foundation, a corporation that remembers Victoria Police members killed within the line of duty, shared an announcement about Paton’s death, writing, “It’s with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Victoria Police Sergeant Matt Paton, who tragically lost his life while mountain climbing the Inca Trail in Peru.”
“Sgt Paton served our community with dedication and commitment. Our thoughts are along with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him,” the statement continued. “To Matt’s family — we cannot imagine the pain you’re carrying immediately. Please know that the Blue Ribbon community stands with you, and you’re in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Inca Trail, a 43-kilometre, four-day tour, is essentially the most famous trekking path to Machu Picchu, with stops at archaeological sites equivalent to Patallacta, Runkuracay, Sayacmarca and Wiñayhuayna, in response to its website.
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