Three Latvian Climbers Die on 20,310-Foot Mount McKinley as Fourth Survivor Remains Critical
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 29
Three Latvian Climbers Die on 20,310-Foot Mount McKinley as Fourth Survivor Remains Critical
10 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 29
Three Latvian climbers were confirmed dead Friday after a fall high on Mount McKinley, and a fourth teammate was rescued and hospitalized in critical condition.
The accident happened Wednesday at about 18,000 feet near Denali Pass, a steep, icy stretch between high camp and the summit that is considered one of the mountain’s most dangerous sections.
The four were part of a seven-person expedition; the other three climbers returned to high camp Wednesday night after trying to rescue them, and park crews mounted a recovery effort Thursday as weather improved.
The National Park Service had not yet confirmed the deaths or identities, but said more than 500 climbers were on the mountain during the peak season that runs from late April to mid-July.
Beyond bad weather, what makes Denali's infamous pass a recurring site for climbing tragedies?
With rescues costing up to $132,000, who should bear the financial burden for high-risk mountain adventures?
Was the climbers' 18,200-foot fall a tragic accident, or could human error be to blame?