An Australian police officer has died while hiking the Inca Trail in Machu Picchu, Peru.
Victoria Police sergeant Matt Paton, 53, fell to his death while trekking the popular tourist trail around 2pm local time on Wednesday.
Paton is believed to have plunged 400 to 500-metre into an embankment while hiking.
Victoria Police confirmed Paton’s body was found this morning, Australian time.
Paton had been travelling with his wife Jane and arrived in the city 12 days ago for the four-day hike.
The sergeant has been remembered by his colleagues as someone who loved “travelling, exploring historic sites and cultures”.
He is survived by his wife and three children Ainsley, Luke and Meg.
“The thoughts of everyone at Victoria Police are with Matt’s family and friends at this time,” Victoria’s Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said.
“Matt served with distinction for 16 years, most recently as an instructor at the Victoria Police Academy.
“His colleagues and the entire policing family are devastated at the tragic loss of a wonderful, caring person.”
Paton, who was due to begin a new role as a senior sergeant next month, had served at Cranbourne and Rosebud police stations before becoming an instructor at the Victoria Police Academy in 2017.
“Matt had the ability to talk to anyone and everyone,” Bush added.
“The morale and welfare of his friends and workmates was always his priority.
“He will be remembered for his selflessness, amazing sense of humour, extreme kindness and inclusion of all.”
Victoria Police said it is doing everything in its power to provide support to Paton’s family.
The Decentralised Directorate of Culture of Cusco said in a statement that Paton was hiking the Wiñaywayna – Intipunku segment of the Inca Trail, which is the final segment, when he fell into a ravine in an area known as “50 Steps”.
50 Steps is the name given to an extremely steep set of stone stairs leading to the ruins of Sun Gate.
According to travel websites, they are also referred to as the “monkey steps” due to hikers needing to climb parts of it on all fours.
Rescue teams immediately began a search operation in a difficult-to-access area following the incident.
Items were found that may belong to Paton, the Decentralised Directorate of Culture of Cusco said.
Nine.com.au has contacted the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for comment.
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