Three climbers have died after falling near a perilous pass on Alaska's Mount McKinley, North America's tallest peak, officials confirmed Friday. A fourth climber who fell was evacuated from the mountain and remains in critical condition, according to the Latvian Mountaineering Association.
The climbers fell Wednesday while traversing a route notorious for its exposed sections, where numerous injuries and fatalities have been recorded. The National Park Service confirmed the climbers were part of a Latvian expedition and fell near Denali Pass, situated approximately 18,200 feet (5,550 meters) above sea level. Mount McKinley itself stands at about 20,310 feet (6,190 meters). Their bodies have not yet been recovered, as Denali National Park and Preserve rangers awaited clearer weather conditions before attempting to reach the site.
The three were part of a seven-person group on the mountain. Their deaths were confirmed by the Latvian mountaineering group on Friday. Three other members of the climbing party tended to those who fell before returning to camp. The group was navigating the West Buttress route, the most popular path to the summit, which is known for its crevasses, steep ice, and exposed ridges.
More than 130 people have died on the mountain. The traverse between Denali Pass and the high camp at around 17,000 feet (5,180 meters) has seen many climbing injuries and deaths, primarily from unprotected falls, particularly during descent. Park rangers and mountain guides install snow pickets in this area to help build anchors for additional protection.
Each year, only about 1,000 to 1,200 climbers attempt to reach Mount McKinley's summit, mostly during May and June. The journey typically takes around 17 days, with less than half successfully reaching the top last year, according to park statistics. Last year saw two fatalities, both skiers, and 16 people were evacuated.
As of Thursday, 516 climbers were on the mountain, according to park service spokesperson Scott Carr. Separately, two other climbers, not associated with the group that fell, were evacuated from the mountain by helicopter on Wednesday.
