The search via helicopter for Canadian mountain runner Kalie McCrystal has been halted following multiple aerial scans of the Italian side of the Matterhorn that did not locate the 38-year-old athlete and lawyer from Squamish, B.C.
The dedicated helicopter mission was called off after an entire day of aerial surveys on Thursday yielded no sign of her.
McCrystal was last spotted on Tuesday near the Jean-Antoine Carrel hut at approximately 3,830 meters as she moved towards the summit.
Initially, rescuers used a large air ambulance helicopter before transitioning to a smaller aircraft capable of getting closer to the mountain’s steep rock surfaces and narrow gullies.
Valerio Segor of the Valle d’Aosta mountain rescue service informed CBC, “We switched to a much smaller helicopter that can approach the cliffs and observe in the couloirs. Unfortunately, they did not spot anything.”
The most recent confirmed sighting occurred when a mountain guide encountered McCrystal above the Carrel hut. “She was seen continuing upward rapidly, mentioning she was training for a record attempt,” Segor stated. “Since then, no one has seen her.”
The Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks of the Alps, stands at 4,478 meters, straddling Italy and Switzerland.
McCrystal had been staying in the Cervinia region of northwestern Italy preparing for an endeavor 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 search of the mountain, examining steep gullies, cliff bands, and sections of both the Italian and Swiss sides.
Additionally, efforts were made using a helicopter-mounted RECCO detector, a radar system designed to locate compatible reflectors integrated into certain outdoor gear. Authorities were informed that McCrystal’s backpack might contain one.
“We attempted detection with the antenna mounted on the helicopter but received no signals indicating a RECCO beacon on either side of the mountain,” Segor mentioned. Trying to establish a signal from McCrystal’s cellphone also proved unsuccessful.
McCrystal is a prominent Canadian skyrunner, competing in challenging mountain terrain at high altitudes. Earlier this year, she triumphed in Argentina’s 4 Refugios Non-Stop race, covering around 40 kilometers with 3,350 meters of elevation gain.
She had recently undertaken a solo ascent and descent of the Matterhorn via the Swiss Hörnli Ridge in six hours, 47 minutes, and 33 seconds, according to the Fastest Known Time database.
Although the helicopter search operation has ceased, efforts are ongoing with mountain guides maintaining a lookout for any signs. Rescuers are anticipating new information from the police to potentially restart a more focused search.
CBC News contacted Global Affairs Canada, and a spokesperson mentioned they would respond at the earliest opportunity.