Canterbury Police were notified by RCCNZ after a personal location beacon activation on the Eugenie Glacier at the bottom of the Footstall in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park shortly after 8 am this morning.
“When the rescue teams responded they found a 29 year old Australian woman had fallen approximately 300m from near the top of the peak onto the glacier. She was airlifted to the Aoraki Mount Cook Search and Rescue Base where she received medical treatment. Unfortunately she passed away a short time later” explained Inspector Dave Gaskin.
The death has been referred to the Coroner. The process to inform next of kin has yet to be completed.
Police hope to be in a position to release the name of the climber tomorrow.
“All members of the climbing party, including the victim, were experienced and well equipped. Weather conditions prior to the accident are understood to have been good. The other members of the climbing party have been airlifted back to Mt Cook Village and are helping Police piece together what led to the accident occurring” says Inspector Gaskin.
Canterbury Police urge anyone going into the backcountry over the summer period to carry a personal locator beacon so that help can be despatched quickly in the event of an emergency.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District