Kaza: A  U.S. tourist went missing while paragliding near Kaza in the Lahaul and Spiti district.

High-altitude thermals unexpectedly swept him off course, causing him to lose control.

The paragliding(PG) pilot crashed into rocky terrain at Shila Nala Kee, where he succumbed to his injuries. 

On June 17, 2024, a coordinated rescue effort involving the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and @splahhp successfully recovered the body of missing American tourist Trevor Bockstahler.

The operation, delayed until late at night due to adverse weather conditions, took place at an elevation of 13,000 feet near Kee/Shilla Nala in Kaza.

The team braved harsh conditions to locate Bockstahler, who had been reported missing in the remote and challenging terrain. The joint operation highlights the collaborative efforts of the agencies involved in ensuring the recovery despite the challenging circumstances.

On June 14, Spiti authorities requested assistance, and an SDRF team was dispatched. They reached Kaza by 7:00 PM on June 15.

After a 4-km trek, the rescue team reached the crash site around 4:00 PM on June 16.

But they suspended the operation.