Two Climbers Die in Tragic Fall on New Zealand’s Aoraki

Two climbers tragically fell to their deaths on Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak, on the evening of March 11, 2024. Authorities confirmed the fatalities and reported that two other members of the group were rescued unharmed. The climbers’ bodies were located in a challenging alpine environment, prompting specialist recovery efforts, as stated by Police Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker.

The deceased climbers have not yet been publicly identified. However, the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association confirmed that one of the victims was a registered member of their organization, while the other was the guide’s client. According to Sgt. Kevin McErlain, the pair was tethered together by a rope when they fell near the summit of Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook.

Authorities were alerted late Monday night local time that four climbers required assistance. A helicopter rescue operation commenced in the early hours of March 12, successfully retrieving two climbers who were uninjured. Search teams utilized two helicopters throughout the night, eventually locating the bodies of the other two climbers several hours later.

Aoraki rises to a height of 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) and is part of the Southern Alps, a scenic mountain range on New Zealand’s South Island. The area is a popular destination for both local and international tourists, particularly experienced climbers. However, its challenging terrain, characterized by crevasses, avalanche risks, and unpredictable weather, poses significant dangers.

Since the start of the 20th century, there have been over 240 recorded fatalities on Aoraki and the surrounding national park. Many climbers have never been found, including three men—two from the United States and one from Canada—who were presumed dead after a 2024 expedition. The missing climbers included certified alpine guides Kurt Blair, 56, from Colorado, and Carlos Romero, 50, from California. Their search was called off after five days, following the discovery of their belongings which indicated they had fallen.

The recent fatalities on Aoraki occur against a backdrop of climbing tragedies on some of the world’s most renowned peaks. Earlier in March, an avalanche struck a camp on Mount Yalung Ri in Nepal, resulting in the deaths of five foreign climbers and two guides at an altitude of 4,900 meters (16,070 feet). In February, Alaskan climber Balin Miller fell to his death from Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan. Additionally, Russian climber Laura Dahlmeier, an Olympic gold medalist, died in July while attempting to scale another peak in the region.

The climbing community mourns the loss of these dedicated individuals, highlighting the inherent risks faced in pursuit of adventure in challenging environments. Rescue operations on Aoraki continue as authorities strive to ensure the safety of climbers in the future.