A hiking trip among three friends ended in tragedy on Mount Olympus, after a 32-year-old man was found unconscious in a gorge at the location known as Kokkinos Vrachos, along the Orlia stream. The exact cause of death is expected to be determined by a scheduled autopsy.
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According to reports, the 32-year-old, originally from Amaliada, met up with two friends from Thessaloniki in the Pieria region, and the group embarked on a hike to Kokkinos Vrachos, situated at an altitude of approximately 650 metres.
The area is home to one of Mount Olympus’s most well-known natural waterfalls, whose waters flow into a natural pool at its base. The 32-year-old dived into the pool; however, according to initial reports, he suffered cardiac arrest immediately upon entering the particularly cold waters, causing him to lose consciousness and drown. The precise circumstances surrounding his death will be clarified following the forensic examination.
The incident occurred at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday (2/8). His friends immediately called the emergency number 112, alerting the Fire Service. Fourteen firefighters trekked for approximately two hours through difficult terrain to reach the remote location, where they retrieved the 32-year-old from the pool and handed him over to EKAB rescue personnel at 7:00 p.m.
The 32-year-old was transported to Katerini General Hospital, where the forensic examination will be conducted to formally establish the exact cause of death.
