Czech gymnast dies in tragic fall near Neuschwanstein Castle

A pro gymnast tragically lost her life while taking a selfie at a castle in Germany.

Natalie Stichova, a 23-year-old Czech athlete, was visiting the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty film. On 15 August, she fell near Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany.

Reports indicate she fell 80 metres down Tegelberg Mountain while attempting to take a photo for Instagram. A friend of Natalie’s told local media she was standing close to the edge when she slipped.

The friend stated, “She fell from about 80 metres. We will never know if she slipped or if a piece of the rock edge broke off.”

Natalie was with two friends and her boyfriend, David, at the time of the fall. Police described the climb as challenging. Local media reported that Natalie survived the fall but sustained life-threatening injuries. She was airlifted to the hospital and taken off life support days later after suffering irreversible brain damage. She was pronounced dead on 21 August.

Her club, Sokol Pribram Sports Gymnastics, expressed their grief, saying, “With deep sorrow, we announce that our wonderful friend, gymnast, representative, and coach, Natalka Stichova, has left us forever due to a tragic accident. She lost her fight for life on 21st August at 5:30 am.

Natalka 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 honour Natalka’s memory, you are welcome to light a candle at our gymnasium.”

Her mother added, “There is no one who didn’t love her. Our Natálie was the sweetest person.”

This is not the first tragic incident at Neuschwanstein Castle. In June last year, Troy Bohling, 31, was convicted of raping and murdering 21-year-old Eva Liu, throwing her into a ravine along with her friend Kelsey Chang, 23.

Bohling convinced the women to join him at a viewpoint before launching his attack. While both women were rushed to the hospital, Eva could not be saved and died from her injuries. Chang survived, and Bohling was sentenced to life in March this year.

Bavarian police stated, “The man then steered the two under a pretext to a trail that was difficult to see, which leads to a viewpoint. According to the current state of knowledge, an attempted sexual offence to the detriment of the 21-year-old must be assumed.”

Police spokesman Holger Stabik added, “The younger of the two women was attacked by the suspect. The older one tried to rush to her aid, was then choked by the suspect and subsequently pushed down a slope.”