ZERMATT, Switzerland – Two climbers have died after falling more than 1,000 meters (3280 feet) on the Matterhorn on Wednesday, August 14.
According to a translated press release from the Valais cantonal police, the two mountaineers left the Hörnli hut in Zermatt early Wednesday morning, with the apparent goal of climbing the Hörnli Ridge to the top of the 14,692 foot mountain. When they did not return as expected, Air Zermatt was alerted to their disappearance via the Valais Cantonal Rescue Organization.
Rescuers located the two bodies on the north face of the Matterhorn during a reconnaissance flight, and the Valais Cantonal Police was brought in to take over the investigation. The victims did apparently fall more than 1,000 meters, though a cause is yet to be determined. Identification of the two individuals is still ongoing.
“The Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation in collaboration with the Cantonal Police.” – Valais cantonal police (translated to English)
According to the Zermatt website, the Matterhorn has seen nearly 600 deaths since 1864, or an average of 6 per year. That’s more than Mount Everest. But the Matterhorn sees around 2,500-3,000 ascents per year, while only 800 people attempt to climb Everest every year.
Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of the victims during this difficult time.