T. Hagiwara : “Japanese Solo Climber Found Dead on North America’s Tallest Peak”

Denali measures 20,310 feet at its peak, making it the tallest mountain in North America.

A solo Japanese climber, identified as T. Hagiwara from Japan, was tragically found dead on Monday after falling from the upper reaches of Denali, North America’s highest mountain. The climber was attempting a solo ascent of Denali’s 6,190m summit and had been in communication with family through an inReach device.

Concerned when they did not hear from him for several days, the family contacted park rangers on May 19. After an investigation, rangers were able to pinpoint the fallen climber’s location at 17,000 feet using data from his satellite communication device.

Data analysis indicated that the climber’s location had remained unchanged since May 16, suggesting a fall from the Denali pass traverse occurred on that day, according to officials.

Mountaineering rangers patrolling the upper mountain discovered the climber’s empty tent at the top of the 16,200-foot ridge. Interviews with other climbers revealed the last known sighting of the climber, as another climbing team had observed them traversing from the 17,200 feet plateau to Denali Pass at 18,200 feet on Wednesday, May 15, as stated by the National Park and Preserve (NPS).

The NPS confirmed that the climber’s body was secured in place and later returned to high camp. Park spokesperson Paul Ollig mentioned that the area’s conditions were extremely icy and challenging.

“We do not have any information regarding the cause of the fall or whether it occurred during ascent or descent. The traverse can be quite treacherous,” Ollig remarked.

Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, stands at 20,310 feet at its peak, earning the title of the tallest mountain in North America. The climbing season at Denali typically commences in early May and concludes in early July, according to Denali National Park and Preserve. Presently, there are 352 climbers on the same route, according to park officials.

Since 1980, at least 14 climbers have lost their lives along the more hazardous section of Denali’s West Buttress route.