Star gymnast, 23, plunges 260ft to her death ‘while taking a selfie’ at German ‘Sleeping Beauty’ castle
A STAR gymnast has plunged to her death while allegedly taking a selfie at the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.
Natalie Stichova, 23, was declared dead six days after she fell nearly 262 feet down Tegelberg Mountain in Bavaria, Germany.
The tragic fall reportedly took place near the picturesque Neuschwanstein Castle, as the Czech athlete was trying to capture the perfect Instagram snap on August 15.
Natalie’s pal told German media she had been standing very close to the edge of the mountain when she slipped while setting up the shot in front of the castle.
The friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “She fell from a height of about 262 feet (80 metres).
“We will never find out whether she slipped or whether a piece of the rock edge broke off.”
The young woman was alongside two friends and her boyfriend, David, when tragedy struck.
Police described the route as a “challenging climb.”
Local media reported that Natalie initially survived the harrowing fall with grave injuries, and was swiftly airlifted to hospital by helicopter.
Her family took her life support off due to irreversible brain damage last Wednesday, reports say.
Natalie was a well-known sports star in her home country and had recently started training junior athletes herself.
Her club, Sokol Pribram Sports Gymnastics, expressed their condolences in a statement.
It read: “With deep sorrow, we announce that our wonderful friend, gymnast, representative, and coach, Natalie Stichova, has left us forever due to a tragic accident.
“She lost her fight for life on August 21 at 5.30am.
“Natalie spread smiles throughout her short life, and that is how we will remember her forever.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and close friends, sending them strength and support.
“To honour Natalie’s memory, you are welcome to light a candle at our gymnasium.”
Natalie’s grieving mother added: “There is no one who didn’t love her. Our Natalie was the sweetest person.”
The news triggered an avalanche of heartfelt messages from online users.
One person wrote on Facebook: “Sincere condolences to everyone who loved her, fate is not fair. She had a whole life ahead of her. This is so sad.”
Another commented: “Condolences to the family and all close friends. It’s a tragedy, it really affected me and my daughter. I wish the family much strength, it’s an irreplaceable loss.”
A third added: “I’m so sorry for your loss. Natalie, rest in peace.”
It comes after a US tourist was killed after a sex fiend reportedly threw her into a ravine alongside her pal who tried to fight him off.
The two women, aged 21 and 22, were visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany, last June when they were attacked.