Three mountain climbers, two hailing from the United States and one from Canada, have likely lost their lives while attempting to scale Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak. Officials confirmed on Friday that the men have been missing for five days and are believed to have perished in a fall.
Although the climbers’ bodies have not been recovered, authorities based their conclusion on footprints seen during an aerial survey and equipment believed to belong to them found on the slopes. Police Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker stated that the search has officially ended.
The missing Americans, identified as Kurt Blair, 56, from Colorado, and Carlos Romero, 50, from California, were experienced alpine guides associated with the American Mountain Guides Association. The identity of the Canadian climber has not been disclosed at the family’s request.
The group had flown to a hut on the mountain on Saturday to begin their ascent, but they were reported missing on Monday when they failed to return for their scheduled ride. Initially, rescuers found several climbing items attributed to the men, but there were no signs of their presence.
Search efforts were hampered for three days due to severe weather conditions. However, on Friday, drone teams spotted additional tracks in the snow, along with more belongings believed to belong to the climbers.
Inspector Walker highlighted the grim situation, stating, “After reviewing the number of days the climbers have been missing, no communication, the items we have retrieved, and our reconnaissance today, we do not believe the men have survived. We believe they have taken a fall.”
She mentioned that the search would restart only if new evidence emerged, but the case has now been handed over to a coroner.
Aoraki stands tall at 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) and is part of the Southern Alps, a picturesque and icy mountain range throughout New Zealand’s South Island. The village at its base is a popular destination for both local and international tourists.
This peak is favored by seasoned climbers but presents considerable challenges, including crevasses, the risk of avalanches, unpredictable weather, and glacier movement. Historically, Aoraki has been perilous; over 240 fatalities have been recorded on the mountain and within the national park since the early 1900s.
