New Zealand police have confirmed they believe three climbers, missing on Aoraki Mt Cook—the country’s tallest peak—are dead.
The missing climbers include two Americans, Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, as well as an unnamed Canadian. They were last seen on Monday after failing to catch their scheduled flight from the mountain. The trio had begun their ascent on Saturday.
Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker stated on Friday that police suspect the climbers may have fallen while attempting to cross a ridge. Due to worsening weather conditions, the search has faced significant challenges, and authorities have decided to scale down the operation.
Drones and helicopters have been deployed to locate the climbers. Drone footage revealed signs of their route, including footprints and abandoned gear such as clothing and energy gels, which are believed to belong to the climbers. These signs were found below the Zurbriggen Ridge, where they had begun crossing the slopes.
Climbing via the Zurbriggen Ridge is a demanding Grade Four route, requiring solid mountaineering experience and judgment, according to New Zealand alpine group Climb NZ. Both Blair and Romero were known to be skilled climbers.
Blair was honored by the Silverton Avalanche School in Colorado, which called him a “beloved fixture” of the San Juan mountains, with a long family tradition of mountain adventuring. He was praised for his calm and positive presence, a contrast to the often rugged personalities in the climbing world. Blair, a father of two, had climbed on multiple continents.
Romero, known as “Kique,” was also remembered fondly by his colleagues at SWS Mountain Guides in California, who described him as a “beloved guide, educator, and mentor,” renowned for his guiding expertise and passion for climbing. Romero, originally from Venezuela, had also worked at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for many years.
In respect for the Canadian climber’s family, authorities have withheld his name.
Aoraki Mt Cook, located on New Zealand’s South Island, rises to 3,724 meters (12,217 feet) and is a popular yet challenging destination for climbers from around the world.
