In brief
New Zealand police indicate that they presume three climbers missing on Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's highest peak, are likely deceased after unfavorable weather hinders their rescue operation.
On December 6, 2024, officials from New Zealand confirmed that they believe three climbers missing on Aoraki/Mount Cook have likely died due to severe weather conditions. The search and rescue operation for the trio—identifying two Americans, Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, along with an unidentified Canadian—was officially suspended. Police notified their families of the situation.The climbers had embarked on a journey to reach the summit, standing at approximately 12,000 feet, after flying to the mountain on Saturday. They were expected to return via a charter flight scheduled for Monday morning but failed to arrive. Rescue teams began searching for the men post-disappearance, facing significant challenges from harsh weather. Initial findings included personal items such as a jacket, ice ax, and energy gels, believed to belong to the climbers. On Friday, rescuers also discovered footprints and additional gear near the challenging Zurbriggen Ridge area.According to Commander Inspector Vicki Walker, the long duration since the men's disappearance without any communication and the recovery of their gear led the authorities to conclude that survival was unlikely. Both American climbers were recognized as certified guides in skiing, rock climbing, and alpine endeavors, associated with the American Mountain Guides Association.
