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Join on Telegram Marrakech – A 66-year-old Italian man died Wednesday during a hiking expedition in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, according to Italian media reports. Alberto Silvestro, originally from Saluzzo but residing in Fossano, fell while descending from Mount Toubkal with his son Andrea.
The accident occurred on November 19 during a solidarity trekking expedition organized by CIP – Cinema Inclusione Partecipazione under the program “Passi di solidarietà” (Steps of Solidarity), scheduled from November 16-20. Silvestro slipped on what appears to have been a snowy section of the trail and suffered fatal head trauma from the fall.
Mount Toubkal, standing at 4,167 meters, is North Africa’s highest peak and lies in the Atlas Mountains near Marrakech. The father and son had successfully reached the summit hours before the fatal accident occurred during their descent.
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Silvestro was an experienced mountaineer who had recently retired from his work as a representative for professional hairdressing products. He regularly participated in trekking expeditions both within Italy and internationally, sharing his passion for mountain climbing with his son Andrea.
Andrea Silvestro, an educator known throughout Fossano and the Saluzzo area for his social and political engagement, witnessed the tragic accident. He serves as vice-president of the local ANPI (National Association of Italian Partisans) chapter in Fossano, an organization his father actively supported.
The ANPI Fossano released a statement expressing their grief: “With great sadness we learned of Alberto Silvestro’s passing, Andrea’s father. We thank him for never failing to provide his commitment and availability to ANPI and many other local organizations. We embrace the entire family, particularly Andrea.”
Local associations described Silvestro as a discrete and generous man who consistently supported solidarity and cultural initiatives without seeking recognition. Despite his reserved nature, he contributed time, presence and resources to numerous community organizations.
Stefano Cassine, who knew Silvestro through mountain expeditions, recalled his character during a three-day trip to Sant’Anna di Vinadio, as reported by La Fedeltà.
“He was a very experienced hiker. When the weather seemed threatening, he encouraged us to continue, and he was right – conditions improved. But he stayed with those having difficulties, giving up the longer route to support those in need,” he said.
The Makala association, with which Silvestro collaborated, described him as “a fantastic person, always ready to help not only our organization but many others in the territory.”
Emergency response was immediate following the fall, but medical assistance could not save Silvestro’s life. The hiking group was participating in the solidarity expedition when the accident occurred on the mountain trails.
Funeral arrangements remain pending while authorities coordinate the repatriation of Silvestro’s remains to Italy. The tragedy has deeply affected the communities of both Fossano, where he lived, and Saluzzo, his birthplace.
Social media was filled with condolences from hundreds of people who knew Silvestro, testifying to his generosity and kind nature. His son Andrea posted a photograph from their successful summit of Mount Toubkal with the message: “Once again we made it. But the most beautiful one we still have to climb.”
The incident throws into sharp focus the unforgiving nature of high-altitude mountain climbing, where even seasoned hikers like Silvestro – who spent years traversing demanding terrain across several countries – remain vulnerable to sudden and extreme conditions.
