'She left us forever': Professional gymnast dies after falling 70 metres during hike

Le château de Neuschwanstein en Bavière. imageBROKER.com – imageBROKER/Lilly

A 23-year-old hiker fell 70 meters while hiking near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. The victim, a professional Czech gymnast, died from her injuries.

Tragedy in Bavaria. Natálie Štíchová, a professional Czech gymnast, died after falling several dozen meters while hiking near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, reports the media outlet Bild.

Exact circumstances unknown

The victim, a 23-year-old woman, was traveling with two friends and her partner, who witnessed the drama. The gymnast was known for her photos posted on her social networks, always in dizzying landscapes and sometimes in dangerous positions.

But on August 15, while not far from the castle that inspired the one in “Sleeping Beauty,” she accidentally fell. For now, the exact circumstances of the fall are not known.  "We don't know if she slipped or if a piece of the cliff broke off,", a source said. Although emergency services arrived quickly, Natálie Štíchová succumbed to her multiple injuries six days later in hospital.

A tribute

The Czech Gymnastics Federation paid tribute to her in a Facebook post.

"With deep sadness, we announce that after a tragic accident, our incredible friend, gymnast, representative and coach Natálka Štíchová, has left us for always. She offered a smile throughout her short life, and that is how we will always remember her", the post reads.