Robbi Mecus : “Tragic Death: Climber Fatally Injured at Denali National Park”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Robbi Mecus climbing accident
2. Denali National Park climbing fatality

Authorities have identified Robbi Mecus, a 52-year-old climber from Keene Valley, New York, who tragically fell to her death in Denali National Park while climbing a mountain in Alaska. Mecus, a noted climbing enthusiast and forest ranger, was known for advocating for transgender representation in alpine climbing. The National Park Service reported that another climber, a 30-year-old woman from California, sustained serious injuries and was rescued by NPS mountaineering rangers. The two climbers were ascending a challenging 5,000-foot route known as “The Escalator” when the accident occurred. Despite the rescue efforts, Mecus did not survive the fall, and her body was recovered the following day.

Rangers Rescue Injured Climber After Fatal Fall in Denali National Park

Authorities have identified the climber who tragically lost their life in Denali National Park as Robbi Mecus, a 52-year-old from Keene Valley, New York. The incident occurred last week when Mecus fell an estimated 1,000 feet while climbing a mountain in Alaska. Another climber, a 30-year-old woman from California, sustained serious injuries in the fall and was rescued by National Park Service (NPS) mountaineering rangers.

Mecus was a well-known climbing enthusiast, forest ranger, and advocate for the transgender community in alpine climbing. She co-founded Queer Ice Fest in the Aldirondack Mountains in 2022, showcasing her passion for the sport. The two climbers were part of a rope team ascending a 5,000-foot route on Mount Johnson, known as “The Escalator,” a challenging alpine climb with steep rock, ice, and snow.

The incident was witnessed by other climbers at 10:45 p.m. local time, who alerted the Alaska Regional Communication Center. Medical responders arrived at the scene and confirmed Mecus’s death. The injured climber was taken to a snow cave for medical attention throughout the night before being rescued the following morning.

Denali’s high altitude helicopter pilot and mountaineering rangers successfully evacuated the injured climber to Talkeetna and then to an Anchorage hospital. Deteriorating weather conditions initially prevented the retrieval of Mecus’s body, but on Saturday morning, the park’s helicopter pilot and rangers were able to recover her remains from Mount Johnson.

Denali National Park Superintendent Brooke Merrell expressed gratitude for the rescue efforts of the rangers and other climbers who assisted in the operation. She extended condolences to Mecus’s friends and family, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the climbing community.

The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with alpine climbing and the importance of safety precautions in such challenging environments. The NPS continues to promote safe climbing practices and provide support for climbers in need of assistance.

For more information on Denali National Park and its beautiful yet wild landscapes, visit the National Park Service website. Stay updated on trending news stories by following national news reporter Gabe Hauari on Twitter at @GabeHauari or via email at Gdhauari@gannett.com.