Remains of dead climber brought down from Mount Denali

KUALA LUMPUR: The remains of Zulkifli Yusuf who died during an expedition on Mount Denali in Alaska have been safely brought down from the mountain.

Kelab Jelajah Alpine (KJA), in a statement on Sunday (June 2), said they received information from the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Los Angeles that the 37-year-old's remains were brought down at 8.30am on Saturday (June 1) local time (Malaysian time 12.30am on Sunday).

"His remains are currently being kept at a hospital in Anchorage, Alaska and will undergo further procedures.

"His family is currently dealing with the insurance company assisted by Malaysian consular representatives to bring the body back to Malaysia at the soonest," the statement on the club's Facebook page read.

The three Malaysian climbers who successfully reached the peak of Mount Denali, in Alaska, United States, were trapped due to adverse weather conditions during their descent on Tuesday (May 28).

Muhammad Illaham Ishak, 47, was the first to be rescued, while his two compatriots, Zainudin Lot, 47, and Zulkifli Yusuf, 37, awaited rescue at an altitude of approximately 5,990m.

Previously, Muhammad Illaham, who is also the president of KJA, had successfully climbed several of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Elbrus in Russia, Mount Everest in Nepal, Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, and Mount Carstensz in Indonesia.

The expedition on Mount Denali involving the other two climbers is vying for recognition in the Malaysia Book of Records for an independent climb without assistance from any mountain guides or other external professional parties.

The statement then further read that the two other climbers, Zainudin and Muhammad Illaham, are still in the hospital being treated for frostbite.

"Our (KJA) representative Norsafrina Shamsir Md Nasir is now in Talkeetna, Alaska, to help bring back the remains and the other two climbers to Malaysia.

"For the time being, we request that their family members be given privacy and keep them in your prayers," it said.

On Saturday (June 2), KJA said Zulkifli reportedly died at 6am (local time) on May 29 while taking shelter in a snow cave in an area known as the "Football Field".

"The cause of death is suspected to be high-altitude cerebral oedema and hypothermia, and will be confirmed through a post-mortem.

"The body is still at the scene and the recovery process may take some time, depending on weather conditions,” said the club.

The club urged those who need further information including the media to contact the club's liaison officer Ayob (017-337 2696).