Israeli climber dies on Mont Blanc, French police say

LYON, France — A 55-year-old Israeli climber died Tuesday when he fell on an access route for Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, French police said.

The accident occurred mid-morning, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), according to authorities.

The victim was later identified as Stas Davidov, a resident of the Ariel settlement who is survived by his wife, a son and a grandson. He worked in the Ariel municipality’s environmental protection department.

He was part of a group, who were not roped together when he was dislodged by falling rocks. No one else was injured.

The Israeli Embassy in France was in touch with Davidov’s family and is assisting them in returning his body to Israel for burial.

Rockfalls are common on the passage along the Gouter Route, the most popular route to reach the Mont Blanc summit, often occurring later in the season when the mountain is drier.

Last summer, all ascents via the route were suspended because of the rockfall risk.