Aerial searches via helicopter for Canadian mountain runner Kalie McCrystal have been stopped following multiple sweeps of the Italian side of the Matterhorn that failed to locate the 38-year-old athlete and lawyer from Squamish, B.C.
The extensive helicopter operation was terminated after an entire day of aerial scans on Thursday yielded no signs of her whereabouts. McCrystal was last sighted above the Jean-Antoine Carrel hut at approximately 3,830 meters, heading towards the summit.
Initially, rescuers deployed a large air ambulance helicopter before transitioning to a smaller aircraft capable of maneuvering closer to the mountain’s steep rock walls and narrow gorges. Valerio Segor of the Valle d’Aosta mountain rescue service mentioned, “We switched to a significantly smaller helicopter that can approach the cliffs and peer into the couloirs. Unfortunately, no observations were made.”
The most recent confirmed encounter occurred when a mountain guide crossed paths with McCrystal above the Carrel hut. Segor added, “The guide saw her continuing her ascent rapidly and mentioned she was training for a record attempt. Since then, no one has spotted her.”
The Matterhorn, one of the prominent peaks in the Alps standing at 4,478 meters, spans across Italy and Switzerland.
McCrystal had been residing in the Cervinia region of northwestern Italy, preparing for an expedition to climb and descend the Matterhorn in under five hours via the Lion Ridge, the primary route from the Italian side. Her disappearance triggered an extensive exploration of the mountain, encompassing steep gullies, cliff formations, and sections on both the Italian and Swiss sides.
Efforts included utilizing a helicopter-mounted RECCO detector, a radar system capable of detecting compatible reflectors integrated into certain outdoor gear. Despite reports that McCrystal’s backpack might contain one, no beacon signals were detected on either side of the mountain.
Past experience revealed that McCrystal is a leading skyrunner in Canada, competing in demanding mountain races at high altitudes. She recently conquered Argentina’s 4 Refugios Non-Stop and undertook solo expeditions on the Matterhorn, including a swift ascent and descent via the Swiss Hörnli Ridge.
Although the dedicated helicopter operation has been called off, mountain guides are persistently monitoring the area. Rescuers are anticipating new information from authorities to potentially restart a more targeted search. Global Affairs Canada has been contacted for additional updates.
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