How the accident happened
Paton was crossing a wooden bridge along the trail on Wednesday when, police say, he fell through a broken railing. Information obtained by authorities indicated that Paton stumbled while trying to cross the bridge and likely tried to grab the wooden railing to regain his balance, Cusco Police Region Chief General Virgilio Velasquez said.
The railing gave way, and he went down with it into the ravine. Search and rescue operations were initiated right after the authorities were notified of the missing man. The exact cause of the fall is now being investigated, and Paton's body is expected to be taken to a nearby town as part of the investigation. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular assistance to the family and extended its deepest condolences.
Remembering a Beloved Officer and Family Man, Paton was a serving member of Victoria Police, having joined the force in 2009. He had been with the service for 16 years and was due to start a new role as a senior sergeant the following month when he died. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said Paton was "a man of distinction" who would be "remembered for his selflessness, remarkable sense of humour and extraordinary kindness towards others".
The Police Association of Victoria also expressed deep shock and sadness at the loss of one of its members, noting that his contributions to police training and his role as an assistant delegate reflected his genuine care for colleagues and commitment to the profession. His family said in a statement that they were devastated by his death. They remembered him as a devoted husband for 31 years and a loving father of three children who always dreamed of traveling to Peru. Matt valued family above all else," the statement read, summing up the depth of loss felt by all who knew him.
