Three Experienced Climbers Feared Lost on Aoraki Mt Cook in New Zealand

Rescue operations are being suspended for three climbers presumed dead after failing to return from a challenging ascent on New Zealand's highest peak.

Authorities have announced that three climbers, including two Americans and one Canadian, are feared lost on Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain. The missing trio—56-year-old Kurt Blair from the U.S., 50-year-old Carlos Romero, also from the U.S., and an unnamed Canadian—was reported missing after failing to arrive for a scheduled flight from the summit on Monday, days after setting off on their climb.

Inspector Vicki Walker, Aoraki Area Commander, indicated on Friday that officials believe the climbers may have fallen while crossing a treacherous ridge. Poor weather has significantly hampered search efforts, prompting authorities to scale back rescue operations. Both helicopters and drones have been deployed in attempts to locate the climbers, who initiated their ascent on Saturday.

Drone imagery has revealed possible clues to their whereabouts, including tracks that suggest they began traversing slopes beneath the challenging Zurbriggen Ridge. This route, classified as a Grade Four climb, necessitates considerable mountaineering expertise and sound judgment—qualifications both Blair and Romero possessed.

Tributes to the climbers have poured in, highlighting their contributions to the climbing community. The Silverton Avalanche School in Colorado remembered Blair as a "beloved fixture" known for his composed presence in the mountains. A colleague emphasized his extensive climbing experience across the globe, while Romero, affectionately known as "Kique," was celebrated by fellow climbers for his guiding skills and passion for outdoor education. Originally from Venezuela, Romero had also worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California.

The name of the Canadian climber has been withheld, with police respecting the family’s request for privacy. Aoraki Mt Cook, at an elevation of 3,724 meters (12,217 feet), remains a sought-after destination for climbers worldwide, drawing adventurers with its stunning yet perilous terrain.