Australian policeman dies in Machu Picchu hiking fall
The Australian police officer who fell to his death while hiking Peru’s famous Machu Picchu is remembered as a dedicated family man with a passion for travel.
The body of Victoria Sergeant Matt Paton was found by Peruvian rescue teams in a cliff about 300 meters from the road to Machu Picchu on Thursday local time.
Sergeant Paton fell off the Inca Trail on Wednesday afternoon while he and a guided group were on their way to the ancient Inca citadel, one of the South American country’s most visited sites.
Relatives of the 52-year-old said they were “devastated by this loss.”
“It seems surreal right now; everyone is deprived,” the family said in a statement on Friday.
“Family was the most important thing to Matt. He was devoted to his family, including his wife of 31 years and his three children. He adored his family. We adored him, too.”
They said the father of three always wanted to travel to Peru and learned Spanish before the trip.
“He was always up for an adventure, to learn something and experience something new.”
Victoria Police Chief Mike Bush described Sgt Paton as a “wonderful, caring human being”.
“His colleagues and the entire police family are devastated by the tragic loss,” Mr. Bush said in a statement.
“Matt loved traveling and exploring historical places and cultures.
“He will be remembered for his selflessness, incredible sense of humor, extreme kindness and inclusion of everyone.”
Victoria Police said Peruvian authorities were investigating the circumstances surrounding Sergeant Paton’s death.
His body was taken to the morgue in the regional city of Urubamba for autopsy.
Local police told the ABC he fell after crossing a damaged safety barrier on a hard-to-reach area of the footpath.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.
Located on the eastern slopes of the Andes, 2430 meters above sea level, Machu Picchu welcomes thousands of visitors every day.
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