Taking Denali climber’s body home

KUALA LUMPUR: Efforts are ongoing to bring back the remains of Zulkifli Yusuf, who died during an expedition on Mount Denali in Alaska, as well as two other climbers who are injured.

Kelab Jelajah Alpine (KJA) said it received information from the Consulate-General of Malaysia in Los Angeles that the 37-year-old’s remains were brought down from the mountain at 8.30am on Saturday local time (Malaysian time 12.30am yesterday).

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

“His family is dealing with the insurance company assisted by Malaysian consular representatives to bring the body back to Malaysia at the soonest,” the club said in a statement on its Facebook page yesterday.

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.

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

The club said that Zainudin and Muhammad Illaham are still being treated in hospital 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 added.

Muhammad Illaham, who is also KJA president, had successfully climbed Mount Everest in Nepal, Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa), Mount Elbrus (Russia), Mount Aconcagua (Argentina) and Mount Carstensz (Indonesia).

The Mount Denali expedition was made in a bid to be recognised in the Malaysia Book of Records for an independent climb without assistance from any mountain guides or other external professional parties.

On Saturday, KJA said Zulkifli 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 recovery process may take some time, depending on weather conditions,” it said.