A mountain guide and a climber (the guide’s client) fell to their deaths from near the summit of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. The roped pair who fell was part of a group of four, including two guides and two clients. The surviving pair called for help and were helicoptered off the mountain to safety.
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Though no names have been officially announced, the New Zealand Mountain Guide Association (NZMGA) went public with a post sharing a photo of the deceased guide, Thomas Vialletet. Reports suggest the other deceased climber was an American.
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“It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the loss of one of our own,” wrote the NZMGA. “Thomas was a loving father, husband, and an integral part of the Wānaka and New Zealand guiding whānau. A highly respected IFMGA Mountain Guide and the dedicated owner of a local guiding company, he embodied the professionalism, humility, and passion that define our community.”
See NZMGA’s heartbreaking post about the mountain guide who lost his life alongside another climber on the highest peak in New Zealand:
Donate to the fundraiser for the fallen mountain guide’s family here.
This situation is evolving, and details may change.
Header stock image of Aoraki / Mount Cook by Sasipa Muennuch/Getty Images
