Victims of Denali climb accident fell 300 meters down a steep slope of snow and ice - expedition member

RIGA - The three Latvian climbers who died in the Denali expedition fell about 300 meters down a steep slope of snow and ice, Valdis Purins, one of the expedition members, said in a social media post.

Purins notes that the surviving climbers of the North American expedition did everything they could to save their teammates, but only Martins Bilzens survived until the helicopter arrived to airlift them to safety.

In his post, Purins expresses gratitude to Denali National Park rangers, representatives of the Latvian Consular Service, and all those who provided assistance and support. Purins states that everything possible is being done to ensure that the whole team can return to Latvia as soon as possible.

The climber says that the survivors have been through a difficult experience and asks the public to respect the privacy of the relatives and team members of the victims. More information on the circumstances of the climbing accident may follow later. "At this time, we are asking that all those grieving and mourning be left in peace," the post reads.

As reported, three Latvian climbers have died after falling on North America's highest mountain, Denali, the Latvian Mountaineering Association confirmed to LETA.

The association said that the deceased climbers were Inese Puceka, Vija Olte and Renars Kunigs-Salaks.

Martins Bilzens was evacuated in critical condition. The other expedition members, Valdis Purins, Edgars Madzulis and Guntis Svarins, returned to camp after the accident and are now descending the mountain with the help of rescuers.

According to the US National Park Service, the fall occurred near Denali Pass, at about 18,200 feet (5,547 meters).

Information on the service’s website, published on Thursday, May 28, indicates that in the first incident, two climbers were evacuated from the mountain at approximately 11 p.m. local time. No further details about this incident are available at this time.

Around midnight, National Park Service rangers received a second report that four climbers from a seven-person team had fallen in the Denali Pass area. Three climbers returned to High Camp after assisting their fallen teammates.

The report states that this remains an active incident. The National Park Service is focusing on rescue operations and notifying family members. Additional details will be released as soon as they are confirmed and appropriate for public release, the statement promised.