Czech Gymnast Dies After 80-Meter Fall While Taking Selfie Near German Castle

Natalie Stichová, a 23-year-old Czech gymnast, tragically fell to her death after plunging nearly 80 meters down Tegelberg Mountain in Bavaria, Germany, on August 15.

The incident occurred during a sightseeing visit near the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, known for inspiring Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.

The accident reportedly took place while Natalie was attempting to take a selfie at the edge of the mountain, hoping to capture the perfect shot with the picturesque castle in the background.

According to a friend who spoke to Czech media, Natalie was standing dangerously close to the edge when one of her legs appeared to slip, causing her to fall. The friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We will never find out whether she slipped or whether a piece of the rock edge broke off.”

Natalie was accompanied by two friends and her boyfriend, David, at the time of the fall. Police described the route as a “challenging climb.”

Despite the severe injuries from the fall, Natalie initially survived and was airlifted to a hospital by helicopter. However, after six days in critical condition, her family made the heart-wrenching decision to take her off life support on August 21 due to irreversible brain damage.

Natalie was a celebrated athlete in the Czech Republic, regularly sharing photos of her travels and adventures on Instagram, often showcasing herself on mountaintops in her workout gear. She had recently begun training junior athletes and was beloved by many in her community.

Her sports club, Sokol Příbram Sports Gymnastics, expressed deep sorrow in a statement: “Natalia spread smiles throughout her short life, and that is how we will remember her forever. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and close friends, sending them strength and support. To honor Natalka’s memory, you are welcome to light a candle at our gymnasium.”

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