An American tourist, Christopher Gibbs, has died after plunging 100 metres from the Knife Edge Bridge at the Victoria Falls heritage site.

Gibbs, who arrived in Zimbabwe on 26 December, crossed into Zambia on Monday before allegedly committing suicide the following day.

He was scheduled to check out of the cottage on Monday, but when staff checked his room three times without response, police were alerted.

His suitcase was found inside, but his wallet, passport and mobile phone were missing.

Gibbs's body was spotted 100 metres below the bridge before Zambian Police were alerted by their Zimbabwean counterparts.

With assistance from the Zambia Army marine unit and the Livingstone City Council fire brigade, the body was retrieved on the Zimbabwean side.

Southern Province police commanding officer Moono Namalongo said initial reports suggested drowning, but later observations indicated injuries consistent with a fall from height.