Austrian mayor dies in hiking accident

The mayor of Spital am Pyhrn in Upper Austria, Ägidius Exenberger, died in a hiking accident on August 14.

The regional branch of Austria’s opposition Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) confirmed the death in a statement, calling it “sudden and completely unexpected,” Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Exenberger, a long-time local leader, was remembered as a “dedicated mayor” and “a man of vision, heart and integrity” by Alois Stöger, acting chairman of the Upper Austrian SPÖ and a former health minister.

“His commitment to Spital am Pyhrn and his deep connection with the people of the region were exemplary,” Stöger said. Martin Winkler, a regional minister and incoming SPÖ state leader, also expressed his condolences.

Spital am Pyhrn, a town of about 2,000 residents near the border with Styria, is known for its baroque monastery and alpine hiking trails.

By Aghakazim Guliyev