32-year-old dies after jumping into cold mountain pool on Mount Olympus
He likely suffered a cardiac arrest after a sudden jump into very cold water at the "Red Rock" natural pool in Orlias Canyon; rescuers recovered him after roughly two hours.
A 32-year-old man died during an outing with friends after jumping into a natural pool in Orlias Canyon on Mount Olympus, Greek authorities say. According to first reports, he entered extremely cold water, suffered a cardiac arrest and drowned.
Rescue teams reached the site on foot and recovered the man after about two hours
The three friends had travelled on Sunday to the spot known locally as "Red Rock," located at roughly 650 metres above sea level in Orlias Canyon — a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. After arriving, the man decided to jump into the natural pool.
Immediately upon entering the very cold water he became unwell. Investigators believe the sudden change in temperature likely triggered a cardiac arrest; the man then sank and drowned. His friends called emergency services on 112 and a search-and-rescue operation began.
Fourteen firefighters and rescuers were dispatched. Because the terrain is steep and difficult to access, crews proceeded on foot and after about two hours managed to recover the man from the canyon. He was transported to Katerini General Hospital, where medical teams attempted resuscitation but pronounced his death.
Greek authorities have opened an investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident. While early accounts point to a temperature-related shock leading to cardiac arrest, the final cause of death will be established following an autopsy. Officials reminded the public that even in summer, mountain canyon pools can remain very cold and sudden immersion or jumping can cause severe physiological shock in some people.
Photo: press material from the event
