An aspiring rescue pilot has died after a bronze statue he was climbing toppled on top of him.
The horrifying accident happened in front of Leon Moser’s friends at around 3am on Sunday (4 Oct).
The tragedy unfolded seconds after the 19-year-old began climbing the two-metre statue perched atop a fountain.
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The sculpture suddenly collapsed, causing him to fall and crush him under its weight.
His friends immediately raised the alarm, and police and paramedics rushed to the scene.
There was nothing they could do to save him.
Police are now collecting witness statements to determine Leon’s condition at the time of the incident, as reported by Need To Know.
Reports suggest the statue was fixed to a stone base with an anchoring system that may have deteriorated over time.
Local technicians are also examining the fountain for potential structural faults.
Leon was originally from Taufers im Münstertal, a village of just 960 people in Italy’s far north.
He had dreamed of joining the Alpine Rescue service, having passed the admission exam and begun training.
He aimed to become a rescue helicopter pilot and had already obtained his pilot licence.
The tragic incident took place in Municipio Square, Glurns, north-west of Bolzano, Italy.
The Taufers im Münstertal Alpine Rescue said: “Leon was a dedicated and caring young man, and a cherished member of our mountain rescue family.
“His commitment, drive, and warm spirit will never be forgotten.”
A local resident, Maria, added: “Things every young person tries at some point – don’t judge.”
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