Rock climbing is an exciting but dangerous sport that requires careful planning, preparation, and execution.
Moose’s Tooth Peak, which Eli Michel and Nafiun Awal attempted to climb, is known for its steep and technical terrain, which presents significant challenges to even the most experienced climbers. Unfortunately, Michel and Awal’s attempt to climb to the top turned fatal and they are now presumed dead.
Authorities say Eli Michel of Indiana and Nafiun Awal of Washington last spoke with the friend on May 5.
Two climbers who disappeared while attempting to climb a 10,300-foot peak in Alaska are presumed dead, according to the park administration.
The National Park Service (NPS) announced that on May 5, Eli Michel, 34, of Columbia City, Indiana, and Nafiun Awal, 32, of Seattle, Washington, began their ascent of Moose’s Tooth Peak in Denali National Park and Preserve.
The climber’s InReach satellite communications device was used to log in with a friend at 5 a.m. local time, according to the agency.
The NPS described the men’s plan to summit as a “steep technical route”, while they said they wanted to “climb the West Ridge route from Elk’s Tooth”.
The climbers “were swept off their feet by a small slab avalanche” on Friday night while they were “high” on the West Ridge route, according to evidence discovered by the climbers, the organization said.
According to the NPS, search authorities on Thursday concluded that the missing men “are beyond survival.” It is now less focused on searching.
On Sunday, when a “concerned” friend notified authorities that Eli and Nafiun had not returned as expected or re-registered through InReach, a manhunt was launched for them.
Crews initially searched the area and discovered the pair’s “unattended” tent. They later discovered bootprints leading to a “recent small slab avalanche”.
According to the NPS, two ice axes and a climbing helmet were among the gear items seen near the 3,200-foot fall line.
The climbers only had supplies for one day in the wilderness, according to the NPS. According to their friend, the climb would be completed with “one long push”.
The men reportedly brought only enough food, drink, and gas for one day and no gear for the night. As temperatures rise in the coming months, the NPS said the search for aircraft will continue “for signs of the two missing climbers.”
the presumed deaths of Eli Michel and Nafiun Awal are a tragedy that highlights the importance of careful planning, preparation, and execution in mountaineering. As climbers continue to push the boundaries of the sport, it is imperative that they prioritize safety and always be prepared for the unexpected.