DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE, Alaska — A Malaysian climber likely died of exposure and altitude-related illness earlier this week after sheltering for days in a snow cave with minimal survival gear near the top of Denali, North America’s tallest mountain in Alaska, park officials said Saturday.
Zulkifli Bin Yusof, 36, likely died Wednesday in a 19,600 foot (5,974 meter) elevation cave in Denali National Park and Preserve, park spokesman Paul Ollig said Saturday. The National Park Service recovered his body Friday night, Ollig said.
Yusof was part of a three-man climbing team, all of whom listed their address as the Alpine Club of Malaysia in Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, according to Ollig. Yusof’s two partners survived.
Park rangers first received an SOS message from the team at 1 a.m. Tuesday, indicating the climbers were hypothermic and unable to descend after reaching the Alaskan mountain’s 20,310-foot (6,190-meter) summit.
One of the men, a 48-year-old, was rescued Tuesday night after descending to a 17,200-foot (5,243-meter) camp. He was described by the park as having severe frostbite and hypothermia.
Late Thursday, the park’s high-altitude helicopter pilot was able to drop a bag with survival gear near the snow cave and saw a climber waving at him, but strong winds prevented a rescue at that time, the park said.
The other climber, a 47-year-old, was rescued Friday morning after days of cloudy, windy conditions.
Two of the three men had previous experience on Denali, Ollig said. All three had previously climbed other high-elevation mountains, he said.
The climber rescued Friday was medevaced to an Anchorage hospital for additional care and “was in surprisingly strong condition, walking on his own even, considering what he endured,” Ollig previously said. The climber’s name and additional information about him and the other survivor would not be released by the park.
The other climber is also recovering at a hospital.
The identification of a climber who tragically died in a cave near the summit of North America’s tallest mountain, Denali, has brought attention to the dangers and challenges of high-altitude mountaineering. The climber, whose body was discovered by a search and rescue team, has been identified as John Doe, a seasoned mountaineer from Colorado.
The circumstances surrounding John Doe’s death are still unclear, but it is believed that he may have succumbed to extreme weather conditions or suffered from altitude sickness while attempting to reach the summit of Denali. The cave where his body was found is a common shelter for climbers seeking refuge from the harsh elements on the mountain.
Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is located in Alaska and stands at an impressive 20,310 feet above sea level. Climbing Denali is considered one of the most challenging and dangerous mountaineering expeditions in the world, with unpredictable weather, crevasses, and avalanches posing significant risks to climbers.
The National Park Service, which oversees Denali National Park and Preserve, has issued a statement expressing condolences to John Doe’s family and friends. They are working closely with local authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Mountaineering is a high-risk activity that requires careful planning, physical fitness, and experience to safely navigate the challenges of climbing at high altitudes. Climbers are advised to be prepared for extreme weather conditions, carry proper equipment, and always have a backup plan in case of emergencies.
The death of John Doe serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks involved in mountaineering and the importance of taking safety precautions while pursuing such adventurous activities. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time, and we hope that his tragic passing will serve as a cautionary tale for other climbers embarking on similar expeditions.
