3 climbers from the US and Canada are believed to have died in a fall on New Zealand’s highest peak

Authorities reported Friday that three mountain climbers, two from the United States and one from Canada, are thought to have perished in a fall after going missing for five days on Aoraki, the highest peak in New Zealand.

The bodies of the men were never located. However, the search for them is over, Police Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker told reporters, citing footprints seen in the snow during an aerial reconnaissance and things thought to be theirs that were recovered from the slopes this week.

According to the website of the nonprofit American Mountain Guides Association, Kurt Blair, 56, of Colorado, and Carlos Romero, 50, of California, were trained alpine guides. At his family’s request, the Canadian climber’s name has not been released by New Zealand authorities.

When the men failed to show up for their scheduled transportation following the climb, they were reported missing on Monday. On Saturday, they flew to a lodge halfway up the mountain to start their trek. There was no indication of the males, but hours later, searchers discovered a number of climbing-related gear thought to be theirs, according to authorities.

Because of the dangerous weather in the area, a search was halted for three days. Drone operators saw tracks in the snow on Friday, along with additional objects that authorities think are the men’s.

The items, which included clothes, an ice axe, and energy gels, were discovered by a chopper and taken back.

Walker stated, “We do not believe the men have survived after reviewing the number of days the climbers have been missing, no communication, the items we have retrieved, and our reconnaissance today.” We think that they have fallen.

Walker noted that the men’s deaths have been reported to a coroner, but that the search would restart if additional evidence surfaced.

Mount Cook, sometimes called Aoraki, is 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) high and a part of the Southern Alps, a picturesque and cold mountain range that stretches along the South Island of New Zealand. Both domestic and foreign tourists visit the hamlet of the same name at its base.

The summit is well-liked by seasoned climbers. Because of crevasses, avalanche risk, unpredictable weather, and glacier movement, the terrain is technically challenging.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, over 240 fatalities have been reported on the peak and in the nearby national park.

Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!