An adventurous dad on a 1,615 mile cycle across Argentina was killed by a lightning strike just one day after setting off.
German Neculman, 39, had planned on cycling from north western Argentina to Dina Huapi village near the tip of Patagonia in south central Argentina.
The father-of-two spent nine years preparing for his voyage which he dubbed "the path of the Condor."
His epic journey was meant to take 130 hours to complete but he was reportedly struck by lightning near the town of Abra Pampa, in Jujuy province, at the beginning of his trip.
Neculman, who was married with two children, had headed out on his bike on January 4.
The following day at around 5.30pm, he was walking along the road with two friends when he was suddenly struck by lightning.
By the time medics arrived, the former electrician was reportedly already dead and his body was taken to a morgue at the Nuestra Senora del Rosario hospital.
Neculman had boarded a plane to Argentina on New Year's Day.
Posting on Instagram, he told how it had taken him nine years to buy the necessary gear to complete his trip and to train for it.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media from his followers and local people.
One person commented: "Rest in peace friend.
"You transcended towards something much greater, you are eternal. You will always be with us."
Another person said: "I would like to thank each and everyone for the energy transmitted through your messages and calls.
"It gives me a lot of strength to face this time... I know that he will be with us in our dreams."
