A companion of a Canadian athlete who has gone missing on the Matterhorn reports that the mountain running community in Squamish, B.C. is hoping for her safe return.
Kalie McCrystal, an elite mountain runner hailing from Squamish, was last spotted on September 1, above the Jean-Antoine Carrel hut, situated at an elevation of approximately 3,830 meters.
Search and rescue teams were deployed to locate her but have recently announced the suspension of helicopter operations after a full day of aerial searches on Thursday yielded no results.
“We just want her home safe,” expressed Duncan O’Regan, a close friend of McCrystal. “We miss her here, so we’re just keeping our hopes up.”
He described her as a vital part of the local mountain running scene.
Speed record in sight
The 38-year-old lawyer was preparing to ascend and descend the Matterhorn in under five hours via the Lion Ridge, the primary route originating from the Italian side. She aimed to achieve the fastest known time.
“I know that this goal was well within her reach,” O’Regan, a fellow mountain runner, remarked. “She has accomplished much more challenging feats, and this isn’t something that exceeds her abilities. She is at ease in this type of terrain.”
O’Regan mentioned that the Matterhorn challenge is something McCrystal has been diligently preparing for. The Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, towers at 4,478 meters, straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland.
McCrystal is recognized as a skilled skyrunner, a sport that merges trail running with mountaineering.
“It’s akin to mixing long-distance running with scrambling,” explained Jacob Cook, a professional climber based in Squamish. “It often transitions quickly into real climbing on rugged mountain terrain.”
Cook stated that while he doesn’t know McCrystal personally, he is aware of her impressive achievements within the local community.
An accomplished athlete
In July, McCrystal achieved the fastest known female time for Squamish’s Tantalus Traverse, completing it in nine hours and 40 minutes, surpassing the previous record by three hours, according to the Fastest Known Time database.
“Completing the Tantalus Traverse in her recorded time reflects an exceptional level of athletic ability,” Cook noted, who had tackled the route the day after her.
McCrystal has also challenged herself in competitions and mountainous terrains around the world.
Most recently, she finished fourth in the women’s category of the Trofeo Kima skyrunning event, which navigates athletes through 52 kilometers of highly technical mountainous landscape in Italy.
On August 14, McCrystal successfully executed a solo ascent and descent from Zermatt via the Swiss Hörnli Ridge in six hours, 47 minutes and 33 seconds, as recorded in the Fastest Known Time database.
Global Affairs aware of situation
Capilano University, where McCrystal serves as a faculty member, has expressed its condolences.
“Our thoughts are with Kalie’s family, friends, and colleagues, as well as everyone participating in the search efforts during this incredibly challenging time,” commented Jason Dewling, the university’s president and vice-chancellor.
Global Affairs Canada has confirmed awareness of the missing Canadian and is in touch with local officials.
“Everyone here in Squamish is really missing Kalie and is hopeful for her swift return,” stated O’Regan.