Three climbers from a Latvian expedition on Alaska's Mount McKinley have died after falling near a treacherous pass, while one was rescued, according to the National Park Service. The incident occurred on Wednesday along a route known for its exposed sections, where numerous injuries and fatalities have previously been recorded.
Details of the Incident
The climbers were part of a seven-person group traversing near Denali Pass, approximately 18,200 feet (5,550 meters) above sea level. Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, stands at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters). The fall happened on the West Buttress route, the most popular path to the summit, which is notorious for crevasses, steep ice, and exposed ridges.
Park rangers were forced to delay their response due to adverse weather conditions. The bodies of the deceased have not yet been recovered, the park service confirmed.
Rescue and Response
Three other members of the climbing group provided assistance to those who fell before returning to camp. The National Park Service reported that two additional climbers, unrelated to the incident, were evacuated by helicopter on Wednesday.
Denali Pass is a well-known danger zone; over the years, many climbing injuries and deaths have occurred on the traverse between Denali Pass and high camp at around 17,000 feet (5,180 meters), primarily due to unprotected falls. Most deaths along the pass happen during descent. Park rangers and mountain guides regularly install and maintain snow pickets to build anchors for extra protection on steep slopes between high camp and Denali Pass.
Historical Context
More than 130 people have died on Mount McKinley in the park's history. Each year, only about 1,000 to 1,200 climbers attempt to reach the summit, primarily in May and June. The expedition typically takes around 17 days, and less than half reached the top last year. In 2025, the mountain saw two fatalities—both skiers—and 16 people were evacuated, according to park statistics. As of Thursday, there were 516 climbers on the mountain, said Scott Carr, a park service spokesperson.
