An American tourist plunged nearly 1,000ft to her death in the Italian Alps after veering off a mountain trail, trying to photograph the spectacular scenery.
Michaelle Alejandra Rubio Leiva, 36, was exploring the Dolomites with her family last Saturday when she reportedly lost her footing near Forcella Pordoi, a dramatic mountain pass overlooking the resort town of Canazei.
The Florida-based communications professional is believed to have strayed from the marked route towards a panoramic viewpoint before plunging approximately 980ft down an exposed section of mountainside, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
Her sister raised the alarm, triggering an emergency response in the rugged alpine terrain.
The emergency service confirmed that its Alta Val di Fassa team and an air ambulance were dispatched after the 112 control centre received the call.
A mountain rescuer who was already nearby reached the scene and supplied the helicopter crew with the precise coordinates.
Medical personnel were lowered onto the mountainside at around 12.30pm, but despite the best efforts of rescuers, Leiva was pronounced dead at the scene.
The family had been trekking at an altitude of around 9,000ft and was making its way towards a cable car station for a journey to the summit of Sass Pordoi, famed for its sweeping views across the surrounding peaks, according to Italian outlet il Dolomiti.
Michelle Alejandra Rubio Leiva was exploring the Italian Dolomites with relatives when tragedy struck. The 36-year-old American reportedly left the marked route to reach a panoramic spot near Forcella Pordoi, above Canazei in northern Italy
The 36-year-old American reportedly left the marked route to reach a panoramic spot before plunging approximately 980ft down an exposed section of mountainside near Forcella Pordoi, above Canazei in northern Italy
Her sister raised the alarm, triggering an emergency response in the remote alpine landscape. But despite the efforts of rescuers, Leiva was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 12.30pm
What had begun as an excursion through one of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes ended in tragedy.
Leiva’s relatives were subsequently airlifted to the nearby town of Canazei, while rescue teams undertook the difficult operation of recovering her body from the mountainside.
Forcella Pordoi forms part of the Sella mountain group, a striking formation of towering limestone cliffs, precipitous slopes and rocky passes within the UNESCO-listed Dolomites.
Although the area can be reached by cable car, navigating the surrounding terrain on foot presents considerable challenges. Steep inclines and loose gravel can make it difficult to maintain a secure footing, particularly along exposed sections where a single misstep can prove fatal, according to reports in Italy.
The Dolomites draw visitors from around the world, captivated by their jagged summits, dramatic valleys and far-reaching alpine vistas. Yet the formidable terrain can pose serious risks to those who venture beyond established paths.
Leiva, who was born in Guatemala, graduated from Brigham Young University and was pursuing a career in communications and consulting.
She was most recently employed by a firm in Miami, Corriere della Sera reported, and had also been involved in several volunteer projects.
In 2025, she moved to Rome to work as a digital nomad in consulting. It was not immediately clear whether she was still based in the Italian capital when the accident occurred.
Leiva had built a career in communications and consulting after graduating from Brigham Young University. Born in Guatemala, she later moved to the United States and was working for a firm in Miami. She had also participated in a number of volunteer projects alongside her professional work
The family had been walking through the mountains at an altitude of around 9,000ft and was heading towards a cable car station to travel to the summit of Sass Pordoi, renowned for its spectacular views across the surrounding peaks, according to Italian outlet il Dolomiti
Her death has cast a tragic shadow over a visit to one of Italy’s most celebrated natural landmarks.
The Dolomites are renowned for their extraordinary beauty, attracting hikers, climbers and sightseers eager to experience their dramatic mountain scenery.
But beyond the established trails, steep drops and unstable ground can turn an otherwise routine outing into a life-threatening ordeal.
For Leiva’s family, the excursion ended in devastating circumstances, as emergency crews worked to recover her corpse from the unforgiving terrain.
The Daily Mail has reached out for comment to Levia's family.