Two climbers, including an American and a New Zealand guide, died after falling 1,500 feet from Mount Cook during summit attempt.
MOUNT COOK: An American climber and his New Zealand guide have died after falling from New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mount Cook during a summit attempt.
Police confirmed the bodies of both climbers were recovered on Tuesday following the Monday evening incident on the 3,724-metre Mount Cook, also known as Aoraki.
The men were part of a four-person climbing team consisting of two guides and two clients when they fell from a ridge onto the mountain’s west side.
Authorities were notified around 11:20 p.m. on Monday, and search teams located two uninjured group members early Tuesday morning.
Helicopters continued searching through the night and located the two missing climbers deceased at 7 a.m. Tuesday.
Their bodies were recovered around midday, according to police statements.
Canterbury Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker confirmed one climber was a U.S. national.
“We can now begin the process of returning these men to their families,” Walker said in a statement.
The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council identified one victim as an internationally qualified mountain guide described as a “respected and valued member of the guiding community.”
Search and Rescue pilot Nigel Gee told 1News the climbers were roped together when they fell.
“They both slipped and went possibly about a 1,500-foot slide,” Gee said.
Mount Cook has claimed dozens of climbers’ lives over the past century due to frequent rockfalls and high-altitude avalanches.
Scores more have died in the surrounding national park known for its challenging mountains and glaciers. – Reuters
