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By Shamim Chowdhury
Content Reporter
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Authorities in New Zealand have officially called off the search for three missing climbers on the country's highest peak, Aoraki, after a five-day search failed to find survivors.
Officials now believe the men—two from the U.S. and one from Canada—perished in a fall during their ascent of the mountain.
The bodies of the climbers have not been recovered, but based on an aerial survey revealing footprints in the snow and items found on the mountain, authorities believe the search has reached its conclusion.
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Kurt Blair, 56, from Colorado, and Carlos Romero, 50, from California, were experienced alpine guides with certifications from the American Mountain Guides Association.
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What Happened to the Three Climbers on New Zealand's Aoraki Mountain?
The third climber, a Canadian national, has not been named, in keeping with his family's wishes.
The trio set out on Saturday to climb Aoraki, flying to a hut halfway up the peak, but failed to meet their scheduled pickup on Monday, prompting concern.
Search teams located several climbing items believed to belong to the group soon afterward, but no sign of the men was found.
The search was delayed for three days due to hazardous conditions.
What Personal Items Did Search and Rescue Teams on Aoraki Retrieve?
On Friday, a break in the weather allowed for aerial reconnaissance, which confirmed the discovery of additional belongings—including an ice axe, energy gels, and clothing—scattered across the slopes.
Drone operators also spotted footprints that appear to have been left by the climbers.
"We believe they have taken a fall," said Police Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker. "After reviewing the days they've been missing, the absence of communication, and the items retrieved, we no longer believe they have survived."
While no further active search efforts are planned, the investigation into the climbers' deaths will continue, with the case now referred to a coroner for further examination.
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How Dangerous is Aoraki?
Aoraki, standing at 12,218 feet, is part of New Zealand's Southern Alps and is known for its treacherous terrain, including unstable glaciers, crevasses, and unpredictable weather.
Over 240 climbers have lost their lives on the peak and in the surrounding area since the early 20th century, marking it as one of the most dangerous climbs in the world.
The deaths of the climbers underscores the risks faced by those who attempt to scale the mountain—both for experienced mountaineers and adventure tourists alike.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
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