The search by helicopter for Canadian mountain runner Kalie McCrystal has been halted following multiple aerial sweeps of the Italian side of the Matterhorn that did not yield any sign of the 38-year-old athlete and lawyer from Squamish, B.C.
The dedicated helicopter mission was called off after a full day of aerial searches on Thursday failed to locate her. McCrystal was last spotted on Tuesday above the Jean-Antoine Carrel hut, at an elevation of about 3,830 meters, as she was progressing towards the summit.
Initially, rescuers used a large air ambulance helicopter, which was later replaced by a smaller aircraft capable of maneuvering closer to the mountain’s steep rock faces and narrow gullies. Valerio Segor from the Valle d’Aosta mountain rescue service mentioned that despite deploying the smaller helicopter for a closer search, nothing was sighted.
The latest confirmed interaction occurred when a mountain guide crossed paths with McCrystal above the Carrel hut. According to Segor, McCrystal told the guide she was training to attempt a record-breaking feat before disappearing from view.
The Matterhorn, standing at 4,478 meters, is one of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland.
McCrystal had been residing in the Cervinia region of northwestern Italy, preparing for a challenge to ascend and descend the Matterhorn via the Lion Ridge in under five hours. Following her disappearance, an extensive search operation was conducted, scouring steep gullies, cliff bands, and sections of the route on both the Italian and Swiss sides.
Efforts included the use of a helicopter-mounted RECCO detector to locate any compatible reflectors, but no signals were detected. Attempts to trace a signal from McCrystal’s cellphone also proved unsuccessful.
An accomplished skyrunner, McCrystal is known for competing in demanding mountain races at high altitudes. Earlier in the year, she triumphed in Argentina’s 4 Refugios Non-Stop race covering around 40 kilometers with 3,350 meters of elevation gain.
While the specific helicopter search has been discontinued, mountain guides familiar with the area are still actively searching for any signs of McCrystal. Additionally, rescuers are anticipating further information from authorities that could lead to a more targeted search operation.
Global Affairs Canada has been contacted for input, and further updates are awaited.
