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3 climbers dead, 1 rescued after fall at 18,200 feet while climbing America's tallest peak
Updated on: May 29, 2026 / 5:17 PM EDT / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- Three Latvian climbers died after a fall on Mount McKinley, North America's tallest peak.
- One climber was rescued from the mountain at approximately 17,200 feet.
- The fall occurred near Denali Pass, at an elevation of about 18,200 feet.
- Search and rescue operations have transitioned into a recovery effort for the three missing climbers.
- The Latvian Mountaineering Association confirmed the deaths of three experienced climbers.
- The injured climber was evacuated in critical condition using a long-line extraction due to helicopter landing limitations.
- The park service does not release fatality victim information until 72 hours after next of kin notification.
- The four climbers were part of a seven-person team.
- The traverse between high camp and Denali Pass is known for climbing accidents, often due to unprotected falls.