A 49-YEAR-OLD American tourist has died after plunging 100 metres from the knife-edge bridge at the Victoria Falls heritage site.
Christopher Gibbs is believed to have fallen late on Tuesday, having been spotted days earlier around the curio trading area allegedly consuming large amounts of whisky.
Mr Gibbs, who checked into a cottage in Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe, on December 26, crossed into Zambia on Monday before allegedly taking his own life the following day.
He was scheduled to check out of the cottage on Monday, but when staff checked his room three times without response, police were alerted.
His suitcase was found inside, but his wallet, passport and mobile phone were missing.
Curator Muyunda Sianga said Mr Gibbs had been seen walking around the area consuming whisky in prohibited zones, raising concern among traders.
“We noticed him moving around and drinking a lot and we started wondering if there was a problem,” Mr Sianga said.
Another trader, Brian Mundia, said the tourist appeared troubled.
Mr Gibbs’ body was spotted 100 metres below the bridge before Zambia Police were alerted by their Zimbabwean counterparts.
With assistance from the Zambia Army marine unit and the Livingstone City Council fire brigade, the body was retrieved at about 19:09 hours on the Zimbabwean side.
Southern Province police commanding officer Moono Namalongo said initial reports suggested drowning, but later observations indicated injuries consistent with a fall from height.
“The body was successfully retrieved from the Victoria Falls danger point area,” Mr Namalongo said.
He added that the exact cause of death will be determined after a post mortem examination.
© ZDM