A 71-year-old French pilgrim dies of natural causes at the beginning of the Camino de Santiago
A 71-year-old French pilgrim He died last Thursday of natural causes in the initial section of the Camino de Santiago, between San Juan Pie de Port and Roncesvalles, in the area of Fuente de Roldán.
The man, who was traveling alone, suddenly collapsed in front of another walker, who immediately alerted the emergency services. Although the Civil Guard and an ambulance went to the scene, the paramedics could do nothing to save his life.
The number of deaths in Navarra increases to four since April 2024
This new victim raises four the number of pilgrims who have died from natural causes in Navarra since April 2024. Previous incidents include:
- A 61-year-old German woman, who died in June 2024 in Zuriain (Esteribar).
- A 61-year-old French man, who suffered a heart attack in May 2024 in Roncesvalles.
- Another 45-year-old French compatriot, found dead in the Ezparrondo ravine (Erro) just two days before.
These events highlight the physical demand of the Camino de Santiago. Experts recommend prior preparation of two or three months, which includes regular walks with increasing difficulty, getting used to the weight of the backpack, and having a medical examination if you are elderly or have health problems.
A tragic double in May 2024: The story of Charles Calteau
The hardness of the initial stretch was marked by the tragedy of May 2024, when two French pilgrims died within 48 hours. One of those cases was that of Charles Calteau, 61, and his friend Guy Marionneau, who flew from Reunion Island to fulfill their dream.
On May 21, while descending towards the Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles after completing the Napoleon Route, Charles suffered a fatal heart attack just 400 meters from the finish line. The Burguete firefighters – in what was their eighteenth aid trip to pilgrims in that month alone –, the Provincial Police and a helicopter came without success.
Three days after the tragedy, his friend Guy Marionneau returned to the scene to place a crucifix in his memory with an emotional dedication.
