A 52-year-old Victoria Police sergeant has died in Peru after falling from a mountain path while hiking the Inca Trail to the historic site of Machu Picchu. Matthew Paton was trekking with a group of tourists on Wednesday when he tripped and fell through a damaged security barrier, according to local police.
The incident occurred in a difficult-to-access area near the Inti Punku entrance, also known as the Sun Gate. Preliminary information from Peru’s Ministry of Culture suggests the fall took place near a sector known as “50 Steps,” a steep incline characterized by large, irregular stone sections. Authorities believe the sergeant fell up to 400 metres.
Did You Know? The Inca Trail, a 42-kilometre route leading to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Machu Picchu, maintains a flexible daily cap of 500 hikers, despite the wider destination attracting more than 1.6 million visitors annually.
A Career of Service
Sergeant Paton, a career military man and accountant who joined the Victoria Police in 2009, was remembered by colleagues for his dedication to both his family and his work. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush stated that the sergeant “served with distinction for 16 years” and was described by peers as a “wonderful, caring person.”
His family noted that the sergeant had long desired to travel to Peru and had studied Spanish in preparation for the trip. He is survived by his wife of 31 years and their three children, Ainsley, Luke, and Meg.
Expert Insight: When navigating high-altitude, remote trekking routes such as the Inca Trail, the presence of infrastructure—like security barriers—is critical to visitor safety. The incident highlights the inherent risks of traversing steep, rugged terrain, and This proves likely that authorities will conduct a formal review of trail safety measures and barrier integrity to prevent future accidents in such challenging environments.
Ongoing Response
Following the discovery and retrieval of his body on Thursday, local authorities transported the sergeant to the Aguas Calientes township. Officials have been in contact with the Australian Embassy in Peru and have been working to transport his remains to the city of Cusco.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is currently providing consular assistance to the family. As the investigation into the circumstances of the fall continues, it is expected that local officials will finalize their reports on the structural status of the barrier and the events leading up to the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of the incident?
Local police reported that Sergeant Paton tripped and fell through a damaged security barrier while walking the Inca Trail with a group of tourists.
Where did the fall take place?
The incident occurred near the Inti Punku entrance, specifically in a zone close to a sector known as “50 Steps,” which is a steep, irregular stone path leading to the Sun Gate.
What is the next step for the authorities?
Authorities have been working to transport the sergeant’s body to the city of Cusco, while the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to provide consular assistance to his family.
How might this incident influence safety protocols for international trekkers on historic trails?