One of the three Malaysian climbers trapped since Tuesday at an altitude of about 6,005 metres on Mount Denali in Alaska has died while climbing the highest mountain in North America
The Malaysian Alpine Club said in a Facebook post that climber Zulkifli Yusuf, 37, died at 6 am (local time) on May 29 while seeking shelter in a snow cave called “Football Field”.
Suspected Cause of Death
“The cause of death is suspected to be high-altitude cerebral oedema and hypothermia and will be confirmed through a post-mortem. The body is still at the scene and the process of recovery may take some time, depending on weather conditions,” said the club.
The Malaysian consulate in Los Angeles has also been informed of the developments and will provide support to the victim’s family in further process.
“The family has also been informed and we would like to express our condolences and ask Malaysians to pray for the victims,” it said.
Rescue Efforts and Recovery
The club also said that the second climber, Zainudin Lot, 47, was rescued on May 31, and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Talkeetna, Alaska.
According to the, the second climber, Zainudin Lot, 47, was rescued on May 31 and treated at a hospital in Talkeetna, Alaska.
“His condition is stable and he has frostbite on both hands,” it added.
Earlier Rescues
Denali National Park and Preserve confirmed in a statement on May 31 that its team had rescued the first of three stranded climbers, Muhammad Illaham Ishak, 47, on May 28.