An Australian man has died in Peru after falling from a path whereas strolling the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, in keeping with native authorities.
Members of the Excessive Mountain Rescue Unit within the metropolis of Cusco, the place Machu Picchu is situated, discovered the physique of 52-12 months-outdated Matthew Cameron Paton, a Victoria Police Division sergeant, on Thursday about 400 metres down a steep slope close to the “50 Gradas” part of the trail, in keeping with native outlet TVPerú Noticias.
Paton had been reported lacking on Wednesday after he fell by a damaged railing whereas mountain climbing the Peruvian mountain trail with a gaggle of vacationers and a information, police informed BBC.
Cusco Police Area Chief Normal Virgilio Velasquez informed TVPerú Noticias that police have “info indicating that he apparently tripped whereas crossing a wood bridge.”
“He seemingly tried to carry onto the wood railing, nevertheless it gave method and he slipped into the abyss together with it. Sadly, he fell down the ravine,” Velasquez added.
The police chief stated that Paton’s physique could be transferred to the town of Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes.
Velasquez stated that Paton was together with his spouse on the time of the accident, and so they had each arrived in Peru as a part of a visit.
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“On the time of the accident, he was accompanied by his spouse, with whom he had come from Australia. The deceased was a police officer by occupation, and so they had been in Cusco for 12 days as vacationers,” Velásquez added.
Authorities are investigating the reason for the fall.
World Information has reached out to the Cusco Police Area and the Excessive Mountain Rescue Division of the National Police of Peru for additional remark, however has not obtained a response.
The Victoria Police Division confirmed Paton’s dying in an announcement to World Information, saying, “Victoria Police confirms considered one of its members has tragically died after a fall whereas trekking the Inca Trail in Peru.”
“Sergeant Matt Paton’s physique was sadly discovered this morning. We’re involved together with his spouse Jane who was with him on vacation and household are flying to Peru from Australia. Native authorities are investigating the circumstances of the tragedy,” police added, noting that the Australian consulate, Division of International Affairs and Commerce and Australian Federal Police are helping within the investigation.
“Victoria Police is doing every little thing in its energy to offer no matter assist it will probably,” the assertion continued. “Matt, 52, joined Victoria Police in 2009, initially serving at Cranbourne and Rosebud police stations earlier than turning into an teacher on the Victoria Police Academy in 2017.”
The Victoria Police Division stated that Paton’s ardour for instructing recruits led to varied different roles, together with facilitating coaching for police responding to psychological well being occasions.
“He was just lately chosen for a senior sergeant place and was because of start within the position subsequent month,” police added.
“A proud Queenslander, he was a passionate follower of the Maroons and Brisbane Lions. Matt cherished travelling, exploring historic websites and cultures. He’s survived by his spouse and three youngsters Ainsley, Luke and Meg,” the Victoria Police Division stated.
Victoria Police Division’s Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stated that the ideas of everybody at Victoria Police “are with Matt’s household and associates at the moment.”
“Matt served with distinction for 16 years, most just lately as an teacher on the Victoria Police Academy,” Bush stated. “His colleagues and the complete policing household are devastated on the tragic lack of an exquisite, caring particular person.”
Bush added that Paton can be remembered for his selflessness, superb sense of humour, excessive kindness and inclusion of all.”
The Blue Ribbon Basis, a corporation that remembers Victoria Police members killed within the line of obligation, shared an announcement about Paton’s dying, writing, “It’s with deep unhappiness that we acknowledge the passing of Victoria Police Sergeant Matt Paton, who tragically misplaced his life whereas mountain climbing the Inca Trail in Peru.”
“Sgt Paton served our neighborhood with dedication and dedication. Our ideas are together with his household, associates, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him,” the assertion continued. “To Matt’s household — we can not think about the ache you might be carrying proper now. Please know that the Blue Ribbon neighborhood stands with you, and you might be in our ideas and prayers during this extremely troublesome time.”
The Inca Trail, a 43-kilometre, 4-day tour, is probably the most well-known trekking path to Machu Picchu, with stops at archaeological websites reminiscent of Patallacta, Runkuracay, Sayacmarca and Wiñayhuayna, in keeping with its web site.
© 2026 World Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.
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