A New York man has died and a California woman is seriously hurt after they fell 1,000 feet down a steep route on Mount Johnson in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve.
National Park Services were first alerted to the incident Thursday night after a group of mountaineers witnessed the fall and made their way down the steep slope to assist the two climbers.
A helicopter with rescuers responded to the scene the following morning and brought the injured woman to a flat staging area on the Ruth Gorge.
The deceased was identified as 52-year-old Robbi Mecus. His body was recovered Saturday morning due to extreme weather conditions.
The two climbers were reported roped as they attempted to make their way up the Escalator, a 5,000-foot steep mountain, when they fell.
“We are grateful for the rescue efforts of Denali mountaineering rangers and the two good Samaritans on Mt. Johnson who helped save a fellow climber’s life,” Denali National Park Superintendent Brooke Merrell said.
“We extend our thoughts and condolences to the friends and family of Robbi Mecus.”
