1 climber dead, another seriously hurt after 1,000-foot fall on Alaska peak

Authorities say one climber is dead and another seriously injured after falling about 1,000 feet on a steep, technical route on Mount Johnson in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve

ANKERAGE, Alaska — One climber is dead and another seriously injured after falling about 1,000 feet (305 meters) on a steep, technical route on Mount Johnson in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities said Friday.

The fall was witnessed on Thursday evening by another climbing party, who reported it around 10.45pm and descended to where the climbers had fallen. They confirmed that one of the climbers had died and dug a snow cave and treated the injured climber, according to a statement from the park.

Friday morning, a rescue helicopter and two mountain climbers left Talkeetna, where the park’s mountain climbing operations are based. They were able to rescue the injured climber, who was later medevaced for additional care. The helicopter and rangers later returned to the mountain to recover the body of the climber, who died but was forced back by the worsening weather, the statement said. Rangers plan to return when conditions permit, the park said.

The name of the killed climber was not immediately released pending notification of family.

The fall occurred on a route on the 2,560-foot Mount Johnson, known as “the escalator” on the southeast side of the mountain. The route involves navigating steep rocks, ice and snow, the park said.

Denali National Park and Preserve is located approximately 240 miles (386 kilometers) north of Anchorage.