23.10.2026 01:40
The vacation of 36-year-old American tourist Michaelle Alejandra Rubio Leiva, who wanted to take photos in Italy’s world-famous Dolomites region, ended in tragedy. While touring with her family, the young woman approached the edge of a cliff to capture the view and fell from a height of approximately 300 meters, losing her life. Rescue teams dispatched to the scene determined that the unfortunate tourist had died.
Michaelle Alejandra Rubio Leiva, a 36-year-old US tourist who wanted to take a landscape photo in the Dolomites in northern Italy, died after falling from a cliff. It was reported that the woman, who was on vacation with her family, lost her balance while leaving the marked hiking route to take a photo. News about the incident, in which the tourist fell about 300 meters, or 985 feet, and lost her life, was also published in the Italian press.
SHE LEFT THE ROUTE FOR A LANDSCAPE PHOTO
The incident occurred on October 17 in the Trentino region of Italy, on the Forcella Pordoi hiking trail above the town of Canazei. It was reported that Rubio Leiva, who was in the area with her family, stepped off the designated path to photograph the landscape and lost her balance there, falling down.
After the accident in the area at an altitude of about 2,750 meters, nearby hikers notified emergency rescue teams. Following the report, Trentino Mountain Rescue teams and helicopter medical personnel were dispatched to the area.
MEDICAL TEAMS DETERMINED SHE DIED AT THE SCENE
Medical teams who reached the scene around midday determined that the 36-year-old tourist had died. While the woman's family was transported to a safe area by helicopter, the body of the tourist who lost her life was also removed from the area with the help of a helicopter and handed over to the authorities. Rescue operations were completed at around 14:30.
It was stated that Rubio Leiva was on vacation with her family, had previously lived in the US state of Florida, and moved to Rome in 2025 to work remotely. It was reported that Leiva, a Brigham Young University graduate, worked in communications, marketing, and business development.
Italian authorities launched the necessary procedures after the incident, while the accident occurred in a mountainous area known for its steep slopes and loose ground structure. A detailed statement from authorities regarding all the conditions of the accident was not included in news sources.