Andrei Stremfelj has come forward for the first time since the accident.

A 69-year-old Slovenian mountaineer died after falling while hiking on the path to Mount Triglav, according to local authorities. The incident occurred on August 10, 2026, around 10:25 AM, on the Tominška trail leading to the mountain. Rescue teams from the Goriska Resursna Služba (GRS) in Mojstran and Brnik were called to the scene. They found the injured climber and transported him via helicopter from the Slovenian Armed Forces to the valley, where he was taken over by funeral services. Later, the rescue team returned to the site to assist other climbers who had been unaffected by the accident. The deceased climber was identified as Andrej Štremfelj, a renowned Slovenian alpine climber with a long history in the climbing community. His death followed a rockfall on July 31, 2026, in the northern face of Mount Triglav, near the German direction. Initial reports indicated that the fall caused severe injuries, which ultimately led to his passing. It was later confirmed that the incident involved a section of rock that collapsed, severely injuring Štremfelj. In a recent message, Štremfelj’s wife, Marija Štremfelj, shared that her husband had left the intensive care unit days earlier. She expressed gratitude for all the well-wishes and support received from the public. Štremfelj himself posted a heartfelt thank-you message, acknowledging the kindness of friends, the crew working in the helicopter, medical staff at the University Clinical Centre Ljubljana, and the team at the operating table who worked tirelessly during the night. He wished them all prosperity. Štremfelj has made numerous contributions to the world of alpinism. In May 1979, he and the legendary Nejc Zaplotnik became the first Slovenians and the first Yugoslavs to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Eleven years later, he summited the highest peak on Earth alongside his wife, Marija Štremfelj, making them the first married couple to achieve this feat. Their accomplishment was recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records. Štremfelj also holds the distinction of being the first person to receive a golden pin for lifetime achievement and for reaching the summit of a major mountain. In 1992, he and Marko Prezlj were awarded the golden pin for their first ascent along the southern ridge of Kanchenjunga. In 2018, he received another golden pin for his lifetime contribution to mountaineering. The incident highlights the dangers associated with mountain climbing, even for experienced climbers. Despite the risks, Štremfelj remained active in the sport until recently. His death has sparked discussions within the climbing community about safety measures and emergency response protocols in high-altitude environments. Rescue operations in such conditions remain challenging, requiring coordinated efforts from multiple agencies, including military helicopters and specialized rescue teams. Authorities have emphasized the importance of preparedness and caution when engaging in outdoor activities, especially in remote and rugged terrain. While the exact cause of the fall is still under investigation, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of mountain environments. The climbing community continues to mourn the loss of one of its most respected figures, whose legacy will endure through his achievements and contributions to the field.