Two American climbers and a Canadian climber are missing after attempting to reach the summit of New Zealand, unable to return home. highest peak officials said Monday.
Two Americans, Kurt Blair, 56, from Colorado, and Carlos Romero, 50, from California, were killed due to poor weather conditions and treacherous terrain on Aoraki, also known as Mount Cook. The search for the Canadian man, whose identity has been withheld, has been difficult. New Zealand Police said Wednesday at the request of the family.
The climbers flew to a hut on the 12,218-foot mountainside and began their climb via Zurbriggen Ridge on Saturday, said Police Inspector Vicky Walker, Aoraki area commander. The men failed to make it to their flight for Monday morning departure, but were informed that their scheduled arrival time had passed.
Walker said within hours of the climbers being reported missing, his team recovered several items believed to belong to the three climbers. However, there was no sign of the climbers.
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Kurt Blair, 56, from Colorado, is one of three climbers missing from Aoraki, New Zealand's highest mountain. (Instagram/Kurt Blair)
The climbers have not yet been confirmed dead, but search efforts have been suspended since Monday night due to heavy rain and snow, and police said there were “grave concerns for the three individuals.” Police said the search would resume once the weather improves, but it is unlikely to resume before Thursday.
Carlos Romero, 50, from California, is one of three climbers missing from New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki. (Instagram/SWS Mountain Guide)
of silverton avalanche school Authorities said three people had “appeared to have died after falling from a height on the mountaintop” where Prime Minister Tony Blair worked.
The school said of Blair: “He was one of the nicest guys to share the ropes, trails and skin tracks with, and his humility, efficiency and courteous personality made him a favorite with customers and students.” . “For those of us who have spent so much time with Kurt in the backcountry, it is devastating to lose such a wise and consistent partner.”
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Romero's employer, SWS Mountain Guides, said he was highly regarded for his skills as a mountain guide and was a “beloved guide, educator, and mentor.”
Both Mr. Blair and Mr. Romero are certified alpine guides, according to the American Mountain Guides Association website.
Aoraki (pictured centre), also known as Mount Cook, is New Zealand's highest peak. (AP Photo/Mark Baker, File)
Aoraki is a popular mountain that is part of the Southern Alps that traverse New Zealand's South Island. It is known for both its beautiful scenery and technically challenging terrain boasting crevasses, avalanche danger, changeable weather, and glacier movement.
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More than 240 deaths have been recorded on the mountain and surrounding national park since the early 20th century.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
