Three climbers from the US and Canada are believed to have died in a fall on New Zealand's highest peak

New Zealand police announced on Friday that three climbers—two from the United States and one from Canada—are presumed dead after being missing for five days on Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. While search and rescue efforts are ongoing, police speculate, based on available evidence, that they may have met with tragedy.

Although the bodies of the deceased have not yet been found, police stated that the search has concluded, citing footprints in the snow discovered during aerial reconnaissance, as well as items believed to belong to them recovered from the mountainside this week. Police Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker revealed the regrettable news to reporters, stating that every effort had been made in the search.

According to the American Mountain Guides Association website, Kurt Blair, 56, from Colorado, and Carlos Romero, 50, from California, were both certified alpine guides. Information from the association indicates that Blair and Romero held certifications in skiing, alpine climbing, and rock climbing. The identity of the Canadian climber has not been released; New Zealand authorities have withheld it at the request of their family.

The three climbers flew to a mountain-side camp hut last Saturday to begin their ascent. They were reported missing after they failed to meet their scheduled transport on Monday. Searchers discovered some climbing gear believed to belong to them hours later, but found no trace of the climbers. Severe weather conditions interrupted the search for three days. On Friday, drone operators discovered footprints in the snow, along with more items authorities believe belonged to the victims.

Items discovered and recovered by helicopter included clothing, ice axes, and energy gels. Inspector Walker stated, "Given the number of days that have passed since the climbers went missing, the lack of communication, the items we have recovered, and the reconnaissance today, we believe they have perished. We presume they suffered a fall." She added that the search would resume if more evidence emerges, but the deaths of the victims have been referred to the coroner.

Aoraki/Mount Cook, at 3,724 meters, is part of the Southern Alps, a scenic, snow-covered mountain range that runs the length of New Zealand's South Island. The settlement of the same name at the foot of the mountain is a tourist destination for domestic and international visitors. The peak is popular with experienced climbers, but its terrain is technically challenging due to crevasses, avalanche risks, variable weather, and glacial movement. Since the beginning of the 20th century, more than 240 people have died on the mountain and in the surrounding national park.