A fateful blow suddenly changes the life of a mountain rescuer. A wave of willingness to help came from his comrades: they organized a ski tour to raise money, which will take place on Saturday, March 16.
It should have been a fun climbing trip with friends. But on June 14, 2023, Gilbert Kohlhuber’s life suddenly changed. “We went climbing in Malta with a friend’s child,” says the passionate chef. “The boy did not dare to go any further, he was scared and completely beside himself. I rushed to help, tried to calm him down and let us abseil,” the 31-year-old recalled.
Then the tragic accident happened
“We fell eight meters.” Gilbert’s thoughts were focused entirely on the child. “I did everything I could to prevent him from hitting the hard, rocky ground,” says the Liesertaler, who became a lifesaver at that moment.
While the little boy escaped with minor injuries, the mountain rescuer-in-training had to pay a high price for his willingness to help. “I couldn’t move, I couldn’t breathe. For a short while I couldn’t see anything anymore.” After a month’s hospitalization and several operations, life seemed over for Gilbert, who is dependent on a wheelchair. “I just didn’t see the point in it anymore and gave up,” the restaurateur remembers of his psychological low point.
“I won’t give up, keep fighting”
However, his mountain rescue comrades from the Lieser-Malta Valley and his family constantly encouraged him. “It was you who gave me back the will to live.” Kohlhuber now has a big goal: “I’m going to fight, I want to be at the top again one day and be in the kitchen!”
Ski touring for a good cause
The mountain rescuers want to collect donations for their comrade with a ski tour leading to the Schilchernock on Saturday, March 16 (from 10.15 am at the Almstüberl in Schönfeld). “It’s about a good cause – for our Gilbert, who, whatever happens, will always have a place in mountain rescue!” says Matthias Baier on behalf of everyone.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
