A 16-year-old American girl tragically died after stumbling and falling over 300 feet down an embankment during a sightseeing walk in Switzerland, authorities announced on Monday.

First responders, who quickly arrived at the scene, discovered the girl's lifeless body in the vicinity of the Trient River, below a popular walking path, according to a statement from the Valais district police.

The teenager, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was with her best friend and the friend’s family when she fell on Sunday morning. The friend’s father, in an attempt to rescue her, got stuck on a rock wall, police reported. He was subsequently rescued and found to be uninjured. The emergency response operation included two helicopter crews, two regional rescue teams, and emergency psychologists, as detailed by the Valais police.

No other injuries were reported in the incident.

The U.S. Embassy in Switzerland and Liechtenstein has not yet responded to requests for information.

The local prosecutor's office, in conjunction with Valais police, has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the girl’s fall, as stated by the police.

The tragic fall occurred in the area known as Gorges Mystérieuses à Tête Noire (the Mysterious Gorges of Tête-Noire) shortly after 10:30 a.m., according to police. This popular destination for international hikers is located near the border with France, approximately 90 miles northwest of the Matterhorn alpine peak by road.

The Swiss government's tourism agency describes the Tête-Noire pathway, established around 1884, as a scenic route featuring stone steps and footbridges that descend about three-quarters of a mile to the bottom of a gorge. The walk offers views of "idyllic waterfalls" and the Grotte aux Nymphes, which the agency describes as "an authentic natural cathedral hidden under gigantic slabs of rock that lean one against the other."

While not considered particularly dangerous, the tourism agency notes that the path is suitable for visitors as young as 6 but is not accessible to those with physical challenges or disabilities.

The tragic incident highlights the risks inherent even in seemingly safe outdoor activities. It underscores the importance of vigilance and caution, especially in natural environments where unexpected hazards can lead to accidents.

Spring in Valais has been perilous. In April, three skiers, including a 15-year-old American boy, were killed in an avalanche on the slopes of Riffelberg near the Matterhorn, police said. These incidents have prompted local authorities to reiterate safety warnings and advise visitors to be prepared and exercise caution while enjoying the region's natural beauty.

The picturesque Valais region, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracts thousands of tourists each year. However, this tragic accident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers that can arise even in well-trodden paths and popular tourist destinations. The local community and authorities are working together to ensure that visitors can safely enjoy the natural splendor of the area while being mindful of the risks.

The family of the deceased girl and her friend are receiving support from emergency psychologists, and local authorities have expressed their condolences. The investigation into the exact circumstances of the fall continues, as officials seek to understand how this tragedy occurred and to prevent similar incidents in the future.