A star Czech gymnast has died days after falling down a mountain while visiting a German castle that inspired Walt Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty.”
The 23-year-old Natalie Stichova was declared dead six days after falling 262 feet down Tegelberg Mountain in Bavaria, Germany, on Aug. 15, the Daily Mail reported .
A friend of the gymnast told Czech media that Stichova was trying to take a selfie when she fell. The person, who wanted to remain anonymous, said Stichova was standing close to the edge of the mountain when her foot appeared to slip while setting up for a photo in front of the castle.
Stichova was reportedly with her boyfriend, David, and two friends at the time of the incident.
Police said it was a “challenging climb” to reach Stichova after her fall, but when first responders arrived, she was alive but suffering from severe injuries.
The Daily Mail reports Stichova’s family took her off life support due to irreversible brain damage on Aug. 21. She died at 5:30 a.m. that day.
“With deep sorrow, we announce that our wonderful friend, gymnast, representative, and coach, Natalie Stichova, has left us forever due to a tragic accident,” Stichova’s club, Sokol Pribram Sports Gymnastics, said in an official statement, according to the Daily Mail. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and close friends, sending them strength and support.”
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