Peru police investigating Eddie Butler’s death after found at beginning of trail to Machu Picchu

Police in Peru are investigating the death of former Welsh rugby captain Eddie Butler who has died at the age of 65.

Butler’s body was discovered inside his tent on Thursday morning at a campsite at the beginning of the Inca trail to Machu Picchu.

The Welsh rugby icon, who went on to become a well-known commentator, was part of a group of fundraisers in Peru, raising money for the charity Prostate Cymru.

Butler was discovered by the tour firm that had taken him to the campsite and they called the local authorities, with the scene attended by officers from Ollantaytambo police station. 

Diario Correo, a publication in Peru, published a picture of locals carrying Butler away via stretcher from the location.  

Police and prosecutors have launched an investigation though no details have yet been released about the possible cause of death and whether it could be linked to a crime.

Kilometre 82, the place where Butler was found, is a four-day hike from Machu Picchu, with the campsite near the town and Inca archeological site of Ollantaytambo close to Cuzco.

Eddie Butler was found dead aged 65 in Peru at the beginning of the trail to Machu Picchu and a publication in the country published this photo of locals taking him away via stretcher 

BBC rugby commentator Butler was found inside his tent while fundraising in Peru

Butler won 16 caps for Wales in his career and captained his country on six occasions

Visitors walk there via the infamous Dead Woman’s Pass at more than 4,000 metres above sea level.

The prosecutor in charge of the ongoing investigation has been named locally as Hugo Jara Palomino.

Butler, leaves behind his wife Susan and six children, and his death was confirmed in a statement published on social media by Prostate Cymru.

They wrote: ‘The Prostate Cymru charity is devastated by the passing of its much loved ambassador Eddie Butler,’ the statement read.

‘Ed was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. We will cherish the many memories we have of him.

Butler enjoyed a prosperous career as a player and then became the voice of rugby for the BBC

‘Over the last week, Ed once again showed his generosity and steadfast commitment to good causes by joining 25 Prostate Cymru fundraisers, including his daughter Nell, on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.

‘In the early hours of Thursday 15 September, Ed passed away peacefully in his sleep at Ecoinka base camp in the Peruvian Andes.

‘He leaves behind his wife Susan and six children who are very much in our thoughts.

‘The charity will not be making any immediate further comment. We also ask that the family’s privacy is respected during this difficult time.’

Tributes quickly flooded in for Butler, with BBC presenter Gabby Logan and former Wales flanker Sam Warburton leading them.

‘Stunned at the news and passing of Eddie Butler,’ Warburton tweeted. 

‘Thoughts with his family. What an amazing contribution to rugby and broadcasting. A privilege to have played and co-commentated with his voice. RIP Eddie’

‘Utterly devastated to hear this news,’ added Logan. 

‘Eddie was a wonderful broadcaster, the kindest man and such great company. On top of that a Welsh rugby great, a British & Irish Lion. 

Butler has become the voice of Welsh rugby for a generation but before that he was a prominent player in the 1980s. 

He played 16 times for Wales between 1980 and 1984 and went on to captain the side six times.