The search by helicopter for Canadian mountain runner Kalie McCrystal has been stopped after multiple aerial scans of the Italian side of the Matterhorn failed to find the 38-year-old athlete and lawyer from Squamish, British Columbia.
The helicopter operation was canceled following a full day of aerial searches on Thursday that yielded no clues about her whereabouts.
McCrystal was last spotted on Tuesday near the Jean-Antoine Carrel hut, at an altitude of approximately 3,830 meters, as she headed towards the peak.
Initially, rescuers used a large air ambulance helicopter, but later switched to a smaller aircraft capable of getting closer to the mountain’s steep rock surfaces and narrow gullies.
Valerio Segor from the Valle d’Aosta mountain rescue service mentioned, “We shifted to a much smaller helicopter that can approach the cliffs and inspect the couloirs. Unfortunately, no sightings were made.”
The most recent confirmed encounter occurred when a mountain guide saw McCrystal above the Carrel hut, continuing her ascent swiftly, mentioning she was training for a record attempt.
The Matterhorn, standing at 4,478 meters and straddling Italy and Switzerland, is one of the most recognizable peaks in the Alps.
McCrystal had been staying in the Cervinia area of northwestern Italy, preparing for a rapid climb and descent of the Matterhorn via the Lion Ridge, the primary route from the Italian side.
Her disappearance triggered an extensive search effort involving exploration of steep gullies, cliff bands, and sections of the route on both the Italian and Swiss sides.
Additionally, a helicopter-mounted RECCO detector, capable of locating specific reflectors integrated into outdoor gear, was utilized in the search. It was believed that McCrystal’s backpack might have had one of these reflectors, but no signals were detected.
Efforts to track McCrystal’s cellphone signal were also unsuccessful.
McCrystal is a prominent skyrunner in Canada, known for competing in challenging mountain races at high altitudes. She recently completed a solo ascent and descent of the Matterhorn via the Swiss Hörnli Ridge in just under seven hours.
Although the dedicated helicopter search has been halted, mountain guides familiar with the area continue to keep a lookout for any signs of McCrystal. Rescuers are awaiting further details from the police to potentially resume a more targeted search.
Global Affairs Canada has been contacted for a response by CBC News.
The search for Kalie McCrystal is ongoing, with hopes of finding her safe and sound.
