2 American Climbers Missing on New Zealand Mountain Presumed Dead: ‘We Believe They Have Taken a Fall’

Mar. 15, 2025

Two American and one Canadian climber are presumed dead after going missing while climbing New Zealand’s Mount Cook mountain, which is also known as Aoraki.

On Friday, Dec. 6, Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker stated in apress releasethat search efforts were able to continue following a week of unfavorable weather.

During the search on Friday, the helicopter crew were able to locate a top and energy gels. This came after a jacket and an ice axe were found earlier this week.

“While we cannot confirm that the objects belong to the men, we believe they do,” the release read.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Aoraki/Mount Cook in New Zealand.David C Tomlinson/Getty

David C Tomlinson/Getty

Walker confirmed in apress releaseon Tuesday, Dec. 3, that Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, from the United States, and a Canadian national were missing after they didn’t arrive for their departure flight on Monday, Dec. 2 at 8.30 a.m. local time.

The men had flown into Plateau Hut at 3.30 p.m. on Nov. 30, to climb Aoraki via Zurbriggen Ridge.

Aoraki / Mount Cook mountain in New Zealand.New Zealand Police

New Zealand Police

The commander inspector added that the evidence included footprints in addition to items that had been discovered.

“After reviewing the number of days the climbers have been missing, no communication, the items we have retrieved, and our reconnaissance today, we do not believe the men have survived,” the statement read.

“We believe they have taken a fall,” Walker added. “This is certainly not the news we wanted to share today.”

Aoraki / Mount Cook mountain in New Zealand.James Yu/Getty

James Yu/Getty

Police have been in contact with the families and “a process to formally suspend our active search” has begun.

“However, we remain poised to reactivate our search if we receive fresh information or credible reports of sightings - especially from the climbing community,” the release read.

The feasibility for a recovery operation will now be “carefully considered and managed.”

“I know that finding the men will be what the family wants and deserves,” Walker said. “Police have now formally advised the Coroner of our belief that the climbers did not survive a fall.”

The release concluded, “I would like to thank the teams who have given their all to this search. We all wanted this operation to be a success.”

source: people.com