One climber was killed and another seriously injured after plummeting 1,000 feet from the summit of 8,400-foot Mount Johnson in Alaska’s Denali National Park on Thursday night, authorities said.
Bad weather prevented rescuers from reaching the body of Robbie Mekas, 52, until the weather cleared Saturday morning, the National Park Service (NPS) said. The surviving climber, a 30-year-old California woman, was rescued Friday morning and taken by ambulance to an Anchorage hospital. NPS said in a statement.
The incident occurred in a section of Mount Johnson known as “The Escalator.” NPS said the two women were tethered to ropes as they climbed through a mix of rock, ice and snow. (Related: Air France pilot dies after jumping from 1,000 feet during hiking accident)
Climber dies, another seriously injured after falling 1,000 feet from Alaska mountain https://t.co/eJPM8MvFbK
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) April 28, 2024
Another group of climbers witnessed the fall, alerted park rangers and descended to help the women, NPS said. Climbers reportedly confirmed that Mekas had died in the fall and administered first aid to the surviving climbers. They tried to keep her warm until morning by digging a snow cave and “treating the climber’s injuries who survived the night,” the NPS said.
Denali National Park Superintendent Brooke Merrell said, “We are grateful for the rescue efforts of the Denali Climbing Rangers and the two good Samaritans on Mount Johnson who saved the lives of their fellow climbers.” My thoughts and condolences go out to the friends and family of Robi Mekas. ”
Mekas was a veteran ranger with the New York State Department of Environmental Protection. new york times report.
According to the New York Times, the department’s interim secretary, Sean Mahar, said in a statement that Mekas “demonstrates an unparalleled passion for the environment and the protection of New Yorkers” and “exemplifies the high professional excellence of the Forest Rangers.” I did,” he said.
