3 climbers from U.S., Canada believed dead in fall from New Zealand’s highest peak
Three climbers – two from the United States and one from Canada – Missing in Aoraki for five daysA man believed to have died after falling from the peak of New Zealand’s highest mountain, authorities said Friday.
The man’s body has not yet been found. But district commander Inspector Vicki Walker told reporters the search was based on footprints glimpsed in the snow during aerial surveys and items believed to be theirs recovered from the slopes this week. It’s over.
According to the website of the American Mountain Guides Association, a non-profit organization, the two Americans – Kurt Blair, 56, from Colorado and Carlos Romero, 50, from California Romero) – are certified mountain guides. New Zealand authorities have not yet released the Canadian climber’s name at the request of his family.
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The men flew to a hut halfway up the mountain on Saturday to begin their climb, but were reported missing on Monday after they failed to reach their intended transport after their climb. Hours later, searchers found several rock climbing-related items believed to belong to the men, but no signs of anything, police said.
The search was stalled for three days due to poor weather conditions in the area. On Friday, drone operators found footprints in the snow and more items authorities believe belong to the men.
“After reviewing the number of days the climbers were missing, the number of days contact was lost, the items we retrieved and our reconnaissance today, we do not believe these individuals have survived,” Walker said. “We believe they have fallen.”
Walker added that the search would resume if more evidence emerged, but the deaths had been referred to the coroner.
Mount Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook, is 3,724 meters (12,218 ft) tall and is part of the Southern Alps, the scenic icy mountain range that runs through New Zealand’s South Island. The settlement of the same name at its base is a destination for domestic and foreign tourists.
This peak is popular with experienced climbers. Its terrain is technically difficult due to crevasses, avalanche risk, variable weather and glacial movement.
More than 240 deaths have been recorded on the mountain and surrounding national parks since the early 20th century.
