A 23-year-old French mountain infantry soldier from the 27th Alpine Hunters Battalion, based in Annecy, died on Saturday, June 13, while climbing Mont Cervin, on the border between Switzerland and Italy. The soldier, identified as Private First Class Mathis Duchon, was born on July 7, 2003, in Schiltigheim, in France’s Bas-Rhin department. His regiment confirmed the death and said the accident happened during a private activity, meaning he was off duty at the time.
According to the battalion, Duchon fell about 600 meters during the ascent. An Italian guide later found his body. The young soldier was known in his unit as a passionate mountaineer who regularly practiced climbing. His comrades from the 3rd company of the 27th BCA launched a fundraising campaign on Leetchi to support his family during this difficult period, and more than 9,300 euros had been collected by Monday afternoon. The regiment also said a crisis support cell had been set up for the family and friends of the deceased soldier.
The 27th BCA said Duchon had stood out from the beginning of his military training because of his strong physical abilities, his clear love of effort, and his exceptional mindset. Assigned to the battalion as a grenadier-voltigeur, he quickly earned the respect of his superiors for his sense of duty, toughness, and physical capability. He was deployed for the first time on French national territory in 2024 as part of Operation Sentinelle in Strasbourg, and was deployed again this year in Sospel. He was awarded the Military Protection of the Territory medal with the “Sentinelle” clasp.
Last year, he was also sent to Estonia as part of a light infantry company under the bilateral partnership between France and the Estonian army. The regiment paid tribute to his “constant professionalism and unwavering commitment,” describing him as discreet, highly appreciated by his comrades, loyal, naturally team-oriented, and always available to help. It said he fully embodied the qualities expected of a mountain infantry soldier.
Duchon had completed his winter high-mountain team leader training in February and passed his basic military certificate on May 29 with excellent results. He was reportedly preparing to take the tests required to join the Mountain Commando Group. His sudden death has deeply affected his battalion, his family, and the military community around him.
