An American climber was among the two people who died after falling on Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, authorities said Wednesday.

The men were part of a group of four climbers ascending Monday night. Following an emergency call, two of them—another mountain guide and his client—were rescued by helicopter, while the other two could not be located immediately.

Bodies recovered after a night search

Rescue helicopters combed the area throughout the night until the bodies were found Tuesday morning. Later, specialized teams from various agencies recovered the remains, reported Inspector Vicki Walker, commander of the police area. Although the identities have not been made public, Walker confirmed that one of the deceased was a U.S. citizen and that authorities are cooperating with the consulate. A well-known guide among the victims: The New Zealand Mountain Guides Association confirmed that the second victim was an internationally renowned climbing guide and an active member of the organization. Sergeant Kevin McErlain told the Timaru Herald that both climbers were roped together when they fell near the summit of Aoraki, which reaches 3,678 meters. Those rescued were unharmed. Authorities indicated that the other guide and his client, also originally connected to the group, were unharmed. Their nationalities have not been disclosed.

Aoraki, part of the Southern Alps on the South Island, is one of the most coveted destinations for experienced climbers, due to its technical and demanding terrain: crevasses, steep slopes, changeable weather, and constantly shifting glaciers.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, more than 240 people have died on the mountain and in the surrounding national park. Several remain missing.

Among the unsolved disappearances are three mountaineers—two Americans and a Canadian—presumed dead in December 2024. The Americans, Kurt Blair (56), from Colorado, and Carlos Romero (50), from California, were certified mountain guides. The search for this group was suspended after five days when the discovery of their belongings led authorities to conclude that they had fallen on the mountain.