Malaysian climber dies while climbing Mount Denali, Alaska

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Alpine Tour Club confirmed that a participant of the Denali Expedition it organized, died after becoming stranded while climbing Mount Denali, Alaska, which is the highest peak in the North American continent last Wednesday.

Berita Harian reported that the incident happened at about 6 am on May 29 when the victim, Zulkifli Yusuf and fellow climber, Zainudin Lot, took refuge in a snow cave in an area known as ‘Football field’ at an altitude of 19,700 feet above sea level.

Mount Denali, Alaska, has an elevation of 6,194 meters (20,310 feet)

In its statement, the club said that the group of climbers involved were stranded while on the climbing mission since last Tuesday.

“Following the incident, rescuers made several attempts to take them out by helicopter, but were unsuccessful due to foggy weather and strong winds.

“Zulkifli was confirmed dead at 6am on Wednesday, when they were sheltering in a snow cave in an area known as “Football field” at an altitude of 19,700 feet above sea level.

“The cause of his death is suspected to be High Altitude Cerebral Edema and Hypothermia and will be confirmed through an autopsy later,” he said.

The club said it was only at 6am on Friday 31 May (local time) that the rescue team managed to remove Zainudin, who is currently being treated at a hospital near Talkeetna, Alaska.

“His condition is stable but he has frostbite (cold inflammation) on both hands.

“While Zulkifli’s body is still at the scene of the incident and the process of removing it may take time because we have to wait for good weather,” he said.

The club said that another climber, Illaham Ishak, was rescued a few days ago and is currently being treated at a hospital near Anchorage, Alaska due to frostbite on his hands and feet.

He said the Malaysian consular in Los Angeles had been informed about the incident and was helping the victim for the next process.

“The family has also been informed and we would like to express our condolences and ask Malaysians to pray for the victims,” ​​he said.