An Australian police officer has died after reportedly slipping and falling about 300m into a ravine in Peru, leaving his family and colleagues devastated.

Matt Paton, a 52-year-old Victoria Police sergeant, was walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu when he reportedly stumbled and fell about 2pm on Wednesday, local media reported, citing police.

“We have information indicating that he apparently tripped while crossing a wooden bridge, and he likely tried to hold onto the wooden railing, but it gave way and he slipped into the abyss along with it. Unfortunately, he fell down the ravine,” Cusco Police Region Chief General Virgilio Velasquez said.

It took about 24 hours for emergency teams to reach him.

His body was located on Thursday afternoon, about 300m from the “50 Gradas” sector along the Wiñaywayna–Intipunku route, where he is believed to have fallen.

A specialist high-angle rescue team also located his backpack, shoes and other belongings during the search.

Paton had arrived in Cusco with his wife 12 days before the incident, and was travelling with a group of visitors and a guide at the time.

The couple had set out on the four-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu from the Ollantaytambo district.

Victoria Police confirmed his death and said officers were in contact with his wife, Jane.

“Matt, 52, joined Victoria Police in 2009, initially serving at Cranbourne and Rosebud police stations before becoming an instructor at the Victoria Police Academy in 2017,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

“His passion for teaching recruits led to a number of other roles including facilitating training for police responding to mental health events.

“He was recently selected for a senior sergeant position and was due to commence in the role next month.

“A proud Queenslander, he was a passionate follower of the Maroons and Brisbane Lions.

“Matt loved travelling, exploring historic sites and cultures.

“He is survived by his wife and three children Ainsley, Luke and Meg.”

The family said they were shattered by the loss of the father-of-three, who had been so excited for the Peru trip he learnt Spanish beforehand.

“It seems surreal at the moment — everyone is bereft,” the statement said.

“Family was the most important thing to Matt.

“He was dedicated to his family including his wife of 31 years and their three children.

“He adored his family. And we adored him.”

His family remembered Paton as the type of person who always stepped up when others needed help.

“If you were in trouble he was the guy you wanted to have around because he would come to your aid,” the statement read.

“He was the guy who stopped on the side of the road to help people change tyres.”

The family said Paton joined Victoria Police later in life after previously working as an accountant and in retail.

“When he was in his mid-30s he got a black belt in karate and took a year off to study Spanish because that was something he always wanted to do.

“He decided he wanted to complete his career with the police force.

“He wanted to have a career where he was doing something that he could be proud of which is why he joined Victoria Police later in life.

“He really thought that he was doing something worthwhile.

“We were incredibly proud of him — the work he was doing, including with recruits at the police academy.”

The family said he loved being an educator.

“Even in the last week he was posting videos of primary school students marching in Peru and telling his recruits here that they could learn a thing or two in a joking manner.

“He was also doing work with officers who had experienced traumatic incidents — he was well respected everywhere he went.

“He loved his colleagues and had a great rapport.”

Paton has also been remembered as funny, witty and clever.

“He would spin an anecdote better than anyone,” the statement read.

“Matt had always wanted to travel to Peru.

“Part of him learning Spanish was so he could do this trip.

“He was always up for an adventure and to learn something and to experience something new.

“We are grateful for the support of Matt’s Victoria Police colleagues, the Police Association Victoria and local authorities in Peru at this difficult time.

‘Served with distinction’

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush also paid tribute to Paton and his family.

“The thoughts of everyone at Victoria Police are with Matt’s family and friends at this time,” he said.

“Matt served with distinction for 16 years, most recently as an instructor at the Victoria Police Academy.

“His colleagues and the entire policing family are devastated at the tragic loss of a wonderful, caring person.

“Matt had the ability to talk to anyone and everyone.

“The morale and welfare of his friends and workmates was always his priority.

“He will be remembered for his selflessness, amazing sense of humour, extreme kindness and inclusion of all.”

Current police members told 7NEWS they are shattered after losing a mentor they described as a “kind soul”.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed it was providing consular assistance to Paton’s family following his death.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family of an Australian who died in Peru,” a spokesperson said.

“Owing to our privacy obligations, we are unable to provide further comment.”

Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall.

SOURCE: https://7news.com.au/news/australian-tourist-dies-after-falling-into-ravine-on-inca-trail-in-peru-c-22322208