Three Climbers Feared Dead on New Zealand’s Tallest Mountain
Three Climbers Feared Dead on New Zealand's Tallest Mountain
- The missing climbers include Americans Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50
- The footage shows evidence of where the climbers began crossing the slopes
- Climbing Mt Cook via the Zurbriggen Ridge is a challenging Grade Four route
Police in New Zealand have confirmed that they believe three climbers, who went missing on Aoraki Mt Cook—New Zealand’s tallest mountain—are dead.
The missing climbers include Americans Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, along with an unnamed Canadian national.
They were reported missing on Monday after failing to board their scheduled flight from the mountain. The three men had set out to climb Mt Cook on Saturday.
Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker stated on Friday that police believe the climbers may have fallen while attempting to cross a ridge. Due to ongoing bad weather, the search has been significantly hampered, and authorities have decided to scale down the operation.
Helicopters and drones have been used in the search for the climbers. Drone footage has revealed signs of the climbers’ route, including footprints and scattered equipment such as clothing and energy gels, which are believed to have belonged to the missing men.
The footage shows evidence of where the climbers began crossing the slopes below the Zurbriggen Ridge.
Climbing Mt Cook via the Zurbriggen Ridge is a challenging Grade Four route, requiring sound mountaineering skills and experience, according to New Zealand’s Climb NZ. Both Blair and Romero were experienced climbers.
Blair was remembered fondly by the Silverton Avalanche School in Colorado, where he was described as a “beloved fixture” of the San Juan mountains, with a long family history of mountain adventuring. The tribute described him as calm and positive, standing out in the often tough world of mountain guides. Blair, a father of two, had climbed across the globe.
Romero, known as “Kique,” was also celebrated by his colleagues at California’s SWS Mountain Guides. He was remembered as a “beloved guide, educator, and mentor,” well-respected for his climbing skills and enthusiasm. Romero, originally from Venezuela, had worked at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California for many years.
Out of respect for the Canadian climber’s family, police have not disclosed his identity.
Aoraki Mt Cook, located on New Zealand’s South Island, stands at 3,724 meters (12,217 feet) and is a popular, though dangerous, challenge for climbers from around the world.
