American woman dead after man ‘throws two tourists off bridge’ at German fairytale castle

According to reports, a tragic incident took place near Germany's renowned Neuschwanstein castle, known as the inspiration for Disney's 'Cinderella' castle. A man from the United States allegedly threw two American female tourists down a 165ft ravine. Shockingly, during the assault, one of the victims was killed, while the other bravely tried to defend herself.

The perpetrator was subsequently apprehended and is currently under investigation for murder, attempted murder, and a sexual offense. Video footage from the scene apparently captured the moment when he was taken away by authorities, restrained with handcuffs.

The incident unfolded when two young women, aged 21 and 22, encountered a 30-year-old man near the Marienbrücke bridge. This narrow footbridge spans a gorge, offering breathtaking views of the castle from its highest point, approximately 300ft above. Allegedly, the man convinced the women to accompany him along a secluded trail, promising an excellent vantage point.

However, once they reached this spot, he physically assaulted the 21-year-old woman. In her defense, her 22-year-old friend intervened, but the assailant reportedly choked her and forcefully pushed her down a steep slope. Authorities suspect that the assailant then committed an attempted sexual offense against the 21-year-old before pushing her down the slope as well. The sequence of events is deeply distressing.

Tragically, both women plummeted approximately 165ft alongside each other. Following the incident, emergency responders airlifted them to receive medical attention. Regrettably, the 21-year-old victim passed away overnight at a hospital, as reported by German media.

The 22-year-old companion, who also suffered injuries, is currently undergoing treatment. This devastating turn of events has deeply affected both individuals involved and their families.

After the incident, the suspect managed to escape from the scene; however, a large-scale police operation ensued to apprehend him. The operation involved 25 emergency vehicles and was carried out on Wednesday afternoon. Eventually, he was captured and taken to a police station in the nearby town of Fuessen, as reported.

An online video posted by a witness depicted the moment when the police led the suspect away in handcuffs, dressed in a T-shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap. Additionally, another clip showed one of the victims being airlifted from the ravine by a mountain rescue helicopter. The efforts of law enforcement and emergency responders were instrumental in ensuring the suspect's arrest and providing swift medical assistance to the victims.

The aforementioned video, captured from an elevated position above the ravine, depicted the efforts of the German mountain rescue service officials as they worked diligently to save the women. Local authorities have provided additional details, stating that the two women encountered the 30-year-old American tourist while on a trail near or on the Marienbrücke bridge.

This bridge is highly popular among visitors due to its stunning view of the 19th-century Neuschwanstein castle, attracting approximately 1.4 million visitors annually, with around 6,000 visitors per day during the summer season. Subsequently, the suspect led the woman to a concealed trail that led to a viewpoint. It was at this location that he reportedly launched the attack on the 21-year-old woman.

When her 22-year-old companion intervened, the assailant allegedly choked her and forcefully pushed her down a steep slope. These distressing events unfolded within the vicinity of the renowned tourist destination.

According to the police statement, based on the available information, it is believed that there was an attempted sexual offense against the 21-year-old victim. The statement further revealed that the 21-year-old was pushed down the slope and fell approximately 50 meters before coming to a stop.

The investigation, now led by the criminal police, focuses on reconstructing the precise sequence of events. The suspect has been detained and brought before a judge within the required timeframe under German law. The judge in Kempten ordered the suspect to be held in custody pending potential charges, and he has been taken to jail.

According to Chief Public Prosecutor Thomas Hörmann, the crime occurred on Wednesday at around 2:40 pm. The two female tourists met the man during a hiking tour near the Marienbrücke bridge and decided to join him. They all walked to a popular viewpoint where the man launched a physical attack on the 21-year-old woman.

Her friend tried to defend her. In the process, the attacker choked the 22-year-old and pushed her down the slope. The 21-year-old also fell into the ravine, and both women ended up lying beside each other at a depth of approximately 50 meters (165ft). The 22-year-old was conscious and responsive, while the 21-year-old was airlifted to the hospital, where she sadly passed away overnight.

The motive for the attack is still unknown, and the identities of those involved have not been disclosed. A witness at the scene described seeing a man with a bloodied face being led away from the attraction in handcuffs.

Mr. Abneri captured footage of the helicopter and the moment when the man was being led away. He explained that initially, they observed two or three men descending into the ravine, which confused them until they noticed a woman dressed in blue, whom they believed had fallen.

The rescuers arrived and saved the woman. Mr. Abneri was uncertain about the condition of the individuals involved as the helicopter flew away and returned for the remaining rescuers. Later, when they returned to the bridge, they found it closed with a police presence. He noted a significant police presence at the scene and mentioned witnessing a man with a bloodied face being taken away in handcuffs.

Mr. Abneri also mentioned that witnesses to the attack, who appeared visibly shaken, were being interviewed by the police. Eventually, the bridge was reopened to the public.

Neuschwanstein Castle, situated in the Swabia region of Bavaria near the Alps and the Austrian border, was finished in 1886 after nearly two decades of construction. It was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat from the bustling city of Munich. The castle's expenses were covered by the king's personal wealth and significant borrowing, but unfortunately, he passed away in 1886, just before its official opening.

Despite this, Neuschwanstein Castle has since welcomed over 61 million visitors who come to admire its grandeur and captivating architecture.