A police officer from Australia has died in a horrific accident while hiking the Inca Trail in Peru. Matthew Cameron Paton reportedly tripped while crossing a wooden bridge and plunged almost 1,000 feet down a steep ravine. Now, his family has shared a heartbreaking statement.

52-year-old police sergeant Matthew Cameron Paton from Australia, also known as Matt Paton, had always dreamed of traveling to Peru. In his 30s, he had begun teaching himself Spanish only for the occasion, his wife shared.

But the trip to Peru ended in a horrific tragedy. On May 20, while hiking Peru’s Inca Trail near Machu Picchu with his wife, Paton tragically lost his life.

He tripped and fell through a broken railing, plunging almost 1,000 feet down a steep ravine. In a statement to the media, Cusco Police Region Chief Virgilio Velasquez said that Matt and his wife of 31 years had arrived in the area 12 days earlier and had set out for a four-day hike when tragedy struck.

“We have information indicating that he apparently tripped while crossing a wooden bridge, and he likely tried to hold onto the wooden railing, but it gave way and he slipped into the abyss along with it,” Velasquez said.

Sergeant Matt Paton had worked with Victoria Police for 17 years, stationed at Cranbourne and Rosebud police stations, before becoming an instructor at the Police Academy. There, he taught recruits and trained officers responding to mental health incidents.

Police officer dies after plunging 1,000 feet to his death during Inca Trail hike
In June, he was set to start his new role after being promoted to the rank of senior sergeant.

“His colleagues and the entire policing family are devastated at the tragic loss of a wonderful, caring person,” Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said. “Matt had the ability to talk to anyone and everyone. The morale and welfare of his friends and workmates was always his priority.”

Bush added, “He will be remembered for his selflessness, amazing sense of humor, extreme kindness, and inclusion of all.”

According to Go Andes, the Inca Trail stretches for about 28 miles and can take hikers up to 5 days to complete, leading to the ancient 500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site.

Each day, the route allows around 500 hikers and 200 guides, and it is often fully booked by tourists as much as a year in advance.

The trek is considered quite difficult, with some very challenging mountain sections, followed by easier downhill walking surrounded by dramatic natural scenery.

Machu Picchu is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and sits at an altitude of 7,970 feet above sea level. The trail leading there climbs through steep mountains above the Sacred Valley near Cusco.

Matt Paton’s family shares a statement
The Code 9 Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, wrote a touching tribute, saying, “Victoria Police lost one of its finest with Matt’s incredibly tragic death in Peru. Our thoughts are firmly with Matt’s wife, three children, friends and colleagues.”

Matt is survived by his wife and his three children. In a statement provided through Victoria Police, his family said they are “shattered” by the loss of Matt.

“It seems surreal at the moment — everyone is bereft,” the family said, per People Magazine. “If you were in trouble, he was the guy you wanted to have around because he would come to your aid. He was the guy who stopped on the side of the road to help people change tires.

“He adored his family. And we adored him,” the family added.

Rest in peace, Matt Paton. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.