Nearly five days after three climbers from the United States and Canada went missing on Aoraki Mount Cook, police announced today that they “do not believe the men have survived.”
Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker confirmed the grim update this afternoon.
“After reviewing the number of days the climbers have been missing, the lack of communication, the items we have retrieved, and the reconnaissance we conducted today, we do not believe the men have survived,” Inspector Walker said.
The search began on Monday but was hindered by dangerous weather conditions for much of the week. A break in the weather today allowed a helicopter crew to conduct a detailed search.
During the operation, searchers retrieved additional climbing-related items, including a top and energy gels. Earlier in the week, a jacket and an ice axe were also located.
“While we cannot confirm that these objects belong to the men, we believe they do,” said Inspector Walker.
A drone team was also deployed to a safe area this afternoon, capturing footage of footprints and evidence that the climbers had begun traversing the slopes beneath Zurbriggen Ridge.
“Based on the footage from the drone and the items we have retrieved, we believe they have taken a fall,” Inspector Walker said.
Inspector Walker said police had spoken with the climbers’ families in the United States and Canada.
“First and foremost, we’re thinking of the men’s families. As you’d expect, it’s not the phone call they wanted to receive,” she said.
“I’m devastated for them—the entire search team wanted a positive result.”
Police are now formally suspending the active search but remain ready to resume efforts if new information or credible sightings emerge, particularly from the climbing community.
“In terms of any recovery operation, its feasibility will be carefully considered and managed. I know that finding the men will be what the family wants and deserves,” said Inspector Walker.
The Coroner has been advised of the police belief that the climbers did not survive the fall.
Inspector Walker expressed her gratitude to the teams who worked tirelessly in challenging conditions to find the climbers.
“I would like to thank the teams who have given their all to this search. We all wanted this operation to be a success,” she said.
The search effort has brought a tragic end to a perilous week on New Zealand’s highest mountain, leaving a community mourning the loss of the three climbers.