France's head of Notre-Dame renovation dies in accident while hiking
2 Min Read
The body of Jean-Louis Georgelin, aged 74, who previously held the position of chief of the defense staff, was found by mountain gendarmes.
-
Notre Dame Cathedral is photographed from the top of the Jussieu University Tower in Paris, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. (AP)
The individual overseeing the rebuilding efforts of Notre Dame de Paris after a devastating fire three years ago has tragically passed away in an accident while hiking in the Pyrenees.
Reports of the untimely demise of General Jean-Louis Georgelin were disseminated by French media and subsequently confirmed by President Emmanuel Macron.
President Macron expressed his condolences, stating, "The nation mourns the loss of one of its distinguished soldiers. France loses a dedicated servant. And Notre Dame loses the visionary behind its restoration," as conveyed through his official social media account, specifically X.
Read next: Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral to reopen in December 2024
The cathedral, renowned as a symbol of cultural significance, has been inaccessible for refurbishment since a fire in April 2019 engulfed its roof and toppled its spire, leaving both Parisians and people worldwide in shock.
At the age of 74, General Georgelin, a respected army officer, was appointed to oversee the rebuilding endeavors following the devastating fire. Authorities are aiming to reopen Notre Dame by 2024, coinciding with the hosting of the Olympic Games in the French capital.
The restoration of Notre Dame will entail reverting to its original design, including the reinstatement of the 96-meter (315-foot) spire, conceived by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc in the mid-1800s.
