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Lone survivor rescued after fatal fall kills three climbers on Mount McKinley
By Kelly McGreal
Published June 01, 2026
Three Latvian climbers died and a fourth survived after a fall on Wednesday near Denali Pass on Alaska's Mount McKinley.
Four members of a seven-person climbing expedition fell near Denali Pass, about 2,100 feet below the mountain's 20,310-foot summit, according to Reuters.
The Latvian Mountaineering Association identified the deceased climbers as Inese Puceka, Vija Olte and Renars Kunigs-Salaks, the outlet reported.
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The association said a fourth climber, Mārtiņš Bilzēns, survived the fall and was in critical condition.
Rescue crews from the National Park Service evacuated the surviving climber on Thursday from a basin at approximately 17,200 feet.
Three Latvian climbers were killed, while a fourth survived, after falling near Denali Pass on Alaska’s Mount McKinley several days ago. (Arterra/Universal Images Group)
Challenging terrain and weather conditions prevented a helicopter from landing.
That required rescuers to use a long-line extraction system before transporting the climber to Kahiltna Base Camp and later to a hospital, according to the National Park Service.
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The three remaining members of the expedition who were not involved in the fall returned to High Camp after assisting their climbing partners, park officials said.
Following the rescue efforts at high altitude, all three experienced declining physical conditions and were evacuated from the mountain Friday.
The surviving climber (not pictured) was airlifted to safety after rescuers used a long-line extraction system due to terrain and weather conditions that prevented a helicopter from landing. (iStock)
Recovery efforts for the three climbers who died remain ongoing as weather, terrain and mountain conditions continue to affect access to the site, park officials said.
The accident occurred near Denali Pass, one of the most hazardous sections of the mountain.
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The stretch between High Camp and Denali Pass has been the site of numerous injuries and fatalities over the years, with many incidents involving unprotected falls, according to reports.
Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, rises about 20,310 feet above sea level and is considered one of the most demanding climbs in North America.
At roughly 20,310 feet above sea level, Mount McKinley is among the toughest climbing destinations in North America. (iStock)
The mountain's steep slopes, glaciers, rapidly changing weather and extreme altitude create significant challenges even for experienced climbers.
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Only about 1,000 to 1,200 climbers attempt to reach the summit each year, most during the May and June climbing season.
Less than half of those who attempted the climb last year successfully reached the top, according to park statistics.
More than 130 people have died on the mountain throughout the park's history.
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Fox News Digital reached out to the National Park Service for further comment.
Reuters contributed reporting.
https://www.foxnews.com/travel/lone-survivor-rescued-fatal-fall-kills-three-climbers-mount-mckinley