Missing hiker found dead below Zinken summit

A 62-year-old woman who went missing while hiking on the Hochschwab mountain was found dead below the summit of Zinken on Friday, ORF reported.

Her husband reported her missing on Thursday after she set out alone that morning and did not return. Her car was found in a car park in St. Ilgen, prompting a large search involving police, mountain rescue and firefighters.

A police helicopter crew spotted her body early Friday afternoon. An emergency doctor confirmed her death, and the body was winched down to the valley.

Forty-nine personnel took part in the search, including Alpine police officers, police dog handlers, mountain rescuers and firefighters. A police helicopter and drones were also deployed. Police said there was no indication of third-party involvement. A crisis intervention team is supporting the woman’s relatives.