A hiker has died after slipping and falling 40m to her death at a beauty spot.
Elena Donca was with two friends when the horror unfolded on Saturday (24 May) evening.
Their roped ascent to the top of Monte Titano – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Marino – had gone smoothly.
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The trio were following a narrow trail down the mountain’s east face when the tragedy struck.
The 32-year-old slipped and fell from the cliff, plunging around 40m (131 ft) into a ravine, as reported by Need To Know.
Her friends, a couple who shared her love for climbing and the mountains, didn’t see her fall but heard a loud thud.
They reached Elena quickly, along with a vet and a surgeon who happened to be nearby, but she was unresponsive.
The clinicians tried to revive her using CPR, but their efforts were in vain.
At dawn on Sunday (25 May), firefighters reached her body and it was removed from the scene by helicopter.
Local prosecutors have opened an investigation to determine if negligence played a role in the tragedy.
Elena was originally from Moldova but had been living for several years in Faenza, Italy.
She was active, loved nature, and was passionate about outdoor adventures.
She leaves behind a grieving husband and family.
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