The body of an Icelandic teen was found on Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, yesterday morning, Vísir reports. The teen had been missing since about 11 pm on Saturday night, according to South African media. The cause of death is not known, but there were strong winds on the mountain over the weekend.
Van Vyk, a media representative for the Cape Town Police, told RÚV there was nothing to suggest foul play. He added that an accident seemed the likeliest cause of death, but that would be confirmed once a preliminary autopsy report has been filed. Police in Cape Town are investigating the death. Cape Town Police Inspector Ezra October told Vísir that police suspect the young man suffered head injury after a fall on the mountain slope.
The teen, who had been visiting Cape Town since January 12, went hiking up the mountain with his friends on Saturday, Vísir reports. His friends reported him missing as soon as they realized he had gotten separated from the group and failed to return when expected.
Table Mountain is one of Cape Town’s main tourist attractions, but travelers were recently warned about repeated mugging attempts on the mountain, after eight such occurred last month.
Fatal accidents are not uncommon on the mountain. Between 2001 and 2011, 79 hikers lost their lives there, according to Vísir.
UPDATE: The first version quoted Vísir, which said the teen was reported missing around noon, but South African media said he was reported missing around 11 pm.
