Tragic accident in the High Tatras: Hungarian tourist dies after falling into flooded stream – photos
A 41-year-old Hungarian tourist has died in the High Tatras after being swept away by a swollen mountain stream, Slovak mountain rescue services (HZS) confirmed.
The incident occurred on Friday morning, 24 October, when the man attempted to cross the Malý Studený stream near Téry’s Hut under Veľký Hang, veering off the marked trail. Heavy rainfall had caused the stream to flood, and the tourist slipped into the rushing water, which carried him away.
Adverse conditions hindered the rescue mission
Rescue teams from the HZS in the High Tatras immediately set out on foot to locate the missing man. Adverse weather conditions prevented the deployment of a helicopter, but rescuers used a drone, a mobile phone tracking device, and the assistance of Polish colleagues from the Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (TOPR) service. The tourist’s phone remained briefly active, helping teams narrow their search.
The man was not found before nightfall
Despite their efforts, the man could not be found before nightfall, and the rescue operation was temporarily halted. Searches resumed early the following morning, with the support of HZS search dogs, Polish rescuers, and eyewitnesses. The tourist’s body was ultimately located on Saturday morning as the water level of the stream receded.
HZS expressed their condolences to the family and thanked the Slovak army, Polish colleagues, and staff at Téry’s Hut for their assistance during the rescue operation.
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