2 Americans, 1 Canadian Disappear While Attempting to Summit New Zealand's Tallest Mountain, Police Say

Mar. 15, 2025

Stock image of snow covered Aoraki Mount Cook mountain and glacial lake.Photo:Robin Whalley/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty

Robin Whalley/Loop Images/Universal Images Group via Getty

Three people, including two Americans, are missing on the tallest mountain in New Zealand.The search for the trio of climbers began after noon local time on Monday, Dec. 2, when the men “were reported overdue” while attempting to summit Aoraki Mount Cook, according to a news release from theNew Zealand Police.Among the missing are Americans Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, according to a statement fromInspector Vicki Walker, Aoraki Area Commander.Blair, of Colorado, and Romero, of California, are both certified alpine guides, according to theAmerican Mountain Guides Associationwebsite.A Canadian man is also missing, Walker said.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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.The three men flew into Plateau Hut on Saturday, Nov. 30, ahead of their attempt to summit the mountain via Zurbriggen Ridge, according to Walker.Police said the men were expected to finish the climb around 8:30 a.m. local time “but did not meet their prearranged transport” as expected.“Several-climbing related items were located” during the initial search, Walker explained in her statement. The items, she added, “are believed to belong to the three men.”The search for the climbers was paused due to inclement weather, and is expected to resume once the conditions improve, according to police.Heavy rain and snow are expected in the region through Thursday, according to theAssociated Press.“Weather conditions are likely to prevent any further search activity until Thursday this week,” Walker said in her statement, “however Police will continue to monitor and assess the conditions.”In the meantime, the New Zealand Police said they have been working with the U.S. and Canadian embassies “to inform and support the families of the three men.”“Further information regarding the third man will not be provided until we can be sure that all necessary family notifications have been carried out,” they added.

Three people, including two Americans, are missing on the tallest mountain in New Zealand.

The search for the trio of climbers began after noon local time on Monday, Dec. 2, when the men “were reported overdue” while attempting to summit Aoraki Mount Cook, according to a news release from theNew Zealand Police.

Among the missing are Americans Kurt Blair, 56, and Carlos Romero, 50, according to a statement fromInspector Vicki Walker, Aoraki Area Commander.

Blair, of Colorado, and Romero, of California, are both certified alpine guides, according to theAmerican Mountain Guides Associationwebsite.

A Canadian man is also missing, Walker said.

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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The three men flew into Plateau Hut on Saturday, Nov. 30, ahead of their attempt to summit the mountain via Zurbriggen Ridge, according to Walker.

Police said the men were expected to finish the climb around 8:30 a.m. local time “but did not meet their prearranged transport” as expected.

“Several-climbing related items were located” during the initial search, Walker explained in her statement. The items, she added, “are believed to belong to the three men.”

The search for the climbers was paused due to inclement weather, and is expected to resume once the conditions improve, according to police.

Heavy rain and snow are expected in the region through Thursday, according to theAssociated Press.

“Weather conditions are likely to prevent any further search activity until Thursday this week,” Walker said in her statement, “however Police will continue to monitor and assess the conditions.”

In the meantime, the New Zealand Police said they have been working with the U.S. and Canadian embassies “to inform and support the families of the three men.”

“Further information regarding the third man will not be provided until we can be sure that all necessary family notifications have been carried out,” they added.

source: people.com