When you hear that Matija Čavrak, a rescuer from the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS), suddenly passed away at the age of 35, you can’t help but stop and feel the shock. This young man, known for his calmness, dedication, and responsibility, was a pillar of the Karlovac HGSS team. He never sought attention but gave his all, leaving a mark that many don’t leave in twice as long a life. His death has stunned everyone who knew him.
But while we mourn Matija, we must not forget how dangerous and unpredictable the job of a rescuer is. Just a day before, the HGSS team from Makarska rescued a disoriented man from Mount St. Ilija. Fifteen members of the Makarska HGSS station immediately launched a search and found the man alive but disoriented after an hour and a half. This is just one example of how tough their job is and how often they risk their lives to save others.
HGSS is not just a group of people in the mountains; they are heroes who give their time, strength, and heart every day. Matija Čavrak was one of them, and his death is a loss for the entire community. His family, wife Adrija, and their little daughter, along with all his relatives, are now going through the hardest moments. HGSS and all of Croatia express their deepest condolences and gratitude for everything Matija gave.
This tragedy reminds us how important it is to appreciate and respect those who fight for our safety every day. Next time you see HGSS rescuers, remember Matija and all those who gave their all, often at the cost of their own lives. And if you have a story or thought about these heroes, feel free to share it — maybe your words can be a comfort or a reminder to all of us about how important they are.
