M’sian climber Zulkifli dies on Alaskan mountain

PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian climber has died after being trapped on an Alaskan mountain, while another has been rescued by helicopter.

Alpine Club Malaysia said Zulkifli Yusuf (pic) died in a snow cave while awaiting help, as reported by officials from the US National Park Service.“At 6am (local time) on Friday, rescuers managed to evacuate one of the climbers, Zainudin Lot, who is being treated at a hospital in Talkeetna, Alaska. His condition is stable, but he has frostbite on both hands.

Meanwhile, we regret to inform you that Zulkifli Yusuf was confirmed dead at 6am on Wednesday while taking refuge in a ‘snow cave’ in an area known as ‘Football Field’ at an altitude of 19,700 feet above sea level.

The cause of death is suspected to be high-altitude cerebral edema and hypothermia, which will be confirmed by a post-mortem,” it said in a Facebook post yesterday.

The club reported that Zulkifli’s body remains at the site, and the process of recovery may take some time, depending on weather conditions.

Earlier, Muhammad Illaham Ishak, 47, one of the three Malaysian climbers who successfully reached the peak of Mount Denali in Alaska, was rescued after being trapped by adverse weather during their descent on May 28.

Wisma Putra said in a statement that the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Los Angeles, United States, has been in touch with the next-of-kin of the deceased and is extending consular assistance.

“The Consulate-General of Malaysia is also in touch with the local authorities, and efforts to bring down the body are ongoing, depending on the weather conditions,” read the statement.

It noted that the Consulate-General is closely monitoring the health of the two other climbers and extending consular assistance, adding that any latest developments will be provided periodically.

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, in a post on X, sent its condolences to the family and friends of Zulkifli.

“We are grateful to the @NatlParkService (National Park Service) for evacuating and rescuing another Malaysian climber,” it added.