Tragedy struck New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook, as two climbers lost their lives in a fall from the notoriously brutal summit.
They were part of a four-person group attempting the 3,724m climb.
The other two escaped injury and were rescued by helicopter early Tuesday after calling for help the night before.
Hours later, rescuers located the bodies — still connected by their climbing harness.
Officials warned that recovering them in the treacherous alpine conditions would be “challenging.”
Mount Cook, the towering jewel of the Southern Alps, is no walk in the park.
Even experienced climbers face massive crevasses and wildly unpredictable weather.
Mount Cook Fatalities
As ClimbNZ notes, fatalities are heartbreakingly common: “Hardly a climbing season goes by without at least one death.”
The identities of the deceased have not been released, but Stuff reported that one was a well-known international mountain guide.
Less than a year ago, three North American climbers vanished on the same mountain.
Despite an extensive search, their bodies were never recovered.
So why do climbers keep returning to such a dangerous peak?
Perhaps it’s the allure of Aoraki’s breathtaking heights — a reminder that nature’s beauty comes with unforgiving risks.
As one veteran guide put it: conquering Mount Cook demands skill, courage… and a bit of luck.
