An American tourist died after falling nearly 1,000ft while walking in Italy’s Dolomites, having reportedly strayed from a marked trail to reach a viewpoint.
Michaelle Alejandra Rubio Leiva, 36, was trekking with relatives near Forcella Pordoi, a mountain pass overlooking Canazei, when she lost her footing on an exposed section of mountainside last Saturday.
The Florida-based communications professional is believed to have moved away from the established route in search of a panoramic view before plunging approximately 980ft, according to reports in Italy.
Her sister raised the alarm, prompting an emergency response in the rugged alpine terrain. The Alta Val di Fassa mountain rescue team and an air ambulance were dispatched after a call was received by the 112 emergency control centre.
A rescuer who was already nearby reached the area and gave the helicopter crew precise coordinates. Medical personnel were lowered on to the mountainside at around 12.30pm, but Leiva was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rescue operation in the Dolomites
The family had been walking at an altitude of about 9,000ft and was heading towards a cable car station for a journey to the summit of Sass Pordoi, known for its views across the surrounding peaks.
Leiva’s relatives were later airlifted to Canazei, while rescue teams carried out the difficult recovery of her body from the mountainside.
Forcella Pordoi forms part of the Sella mountain group, an area of steep slopes, rocky passes and towering limestone cliffs in the UNESCO-listed Dolomites.
Although parts of the area can be reached by cable car, the terrain on foot can be hazardous, with steep inclines and loose gravel making it difficult to keep a secure footing along exposed sections.
The Dolomites attract hikers, climbers and sightseers from around the world, but the dramatic landscape can become dangerous beyond the established trails.
Leiva was born in Guatemala and graduated from Brigham Young University before building a career in communications and consulting. She had most recently worked for a firm in Miami and had also taken part in volunteer projects.
She moved to Rome in 2025 to work as a digital nomad in consulting. It was not immediately clear whether she was still living in the Italian capital when the accident happened.
