22639 Yesero, Huesca, Spain - May 9, 2024.

A 47-year-old canyoneer from San Sebastian tragically lost his life on Thursday, May 9, after sustaining injuries from a 35-meter fall while rappelling in the Sia ravine, located in the Pyrenean municipality of Yesero (Huesca).

The accident occurred on May 9th afternoon. The alarm was raised at 5:24 pm when a member of the group reported that one of their companions had fallen during a rappel, becoming unconscious on the rocks below. The Greim de Panticosa mountain rescue team, the Huesca helicopter, and a doctor from the 061 emergency medical service were mobilized. However, upon reaching the scene and locating the man, rescuers found no signs of life. The canyoneer was evacuated by helicopter and transported to the Institute of Legal Medicine in Huesca for autopsy.

The deceased, who was childless, worked as a national police officer in the Guipuzcoan capital, specifically on Urumea promenade, for approximately a year and a half. He had previously been stationed in Jaca for training and had maintained close friendships there, often engaging in sports activities. This week, he had arranged to meet several people from the Aragonese locality for a canyoning excursion.

The Sia ravine, also known as Puerto ravine, features an open character with a 35-meter rappel, including sections in suspension. Located in the Aragonese province, it originates near Yesero and flows westward, eventually emptying into the left bank of the Gallego River.

Approaching the ravine involves a somewhat long and steep hike. Additionally, it is not a frequently visited location.

The typical descent can be completed over the course of a morning, with an average approach time of one hour and a descent time totaling three hours. However, the return journey typically takes just 10 minutes.

The ravine features a total of eleven rappels, with the highest being 35 meters, the site of the tragic accident.

Rappelling is a descent technique used on vertical surfaces, employing rope techniques when descent without such assistance is challenging or dangerous. This practice involves various techniques and devices depending on the location and situation, primarily dictated by the level of hazard.