Cyclist dies after suspected deer collision on Rossfeld road

A 36-year-old Austrian road cyclist died after a suspected collision with a deer on the Rossfeld Panoramic Road above Berchtesgaden, BR reported. Police said the exact cause remains unclear.

The accident happened on Tuesday evening near the northern toll station on the toll road, B999. A woman who works at a kiosk on the route found the seriously injured cyclist at about 8 p.m. after turning back towards the valley to retrieve something she had forgotten.

She called emergency services, and the Berchtesgaden volunteer fire brigade and the Red Cross arrived with an ambulance and an emergency medical helicopter. Rescuers were unable to revive the man.

Police said an accident expert would investigate the circumstances. Animal hair found on the cyclist’s jersey suggested that he may have collided with a deer. A hunter searched for the animal during the night but did not find it. Police said it may have suffered only minor injuries and continued moving away.

Because of the fatal injuries, police believe the cyclist was travelling downhill. The Rossfeld Panoramic Road is a popular training route for road cyclists because of its steep climbs and sharp bends. Berchtesgaden police are asking any witnesses to come forward.