A 52-year-old Australian man, Matthew Cameron Paton, has died following a fatal fall while trekking the historic Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu in Peru. The incident occurred near the ’50 Gradas’ section of the trail, where rescue teams discovered his body approximately 300 meters down a steep ravine on Thursday.

Local authorities report that the accident took place on Wednesday while Paton was hiking with a guided group. Preliminary investigations suggest that Paton tripped while crossing a wooden bridge and attempted to stabilize himself by grabbing a nearby railing. The structure reportedly gave way, causing him to plummet into the ravine. Search and rescue operations were initiated immediately after he was reported missing, leading to the recovery of his body by the High Mountain Rescue Unit in Cusco.

Paton, a dedicated member of the Victoria Police, had served for 16 years and was preparing to transition into a new role as a senior sergeant. His family, who described him as a devoted husband and father, expressed their profound grief, noting that a trip to Peru had been a long-held ambition of his. Colleagues and police officials have paid tribute to his character, highlighting his selflessness, kindness, and significant contributions to the force.

Official investigations into the circumstances surrounding the structural failure of the bridge railing are currently underway. Consular assistance is being provided to the family as they navigate the process of repatriating his remains from Peru.