Key Takeaways
- Two climbers, American lawyer Kellam Conover and mountain guide Thomas Vialletet, died on Aoraki Mt Cook while attempting to reach the summit.
- The pair were roped together and fell from the mountain’s west ridge on Monday night.
- Two other members of the climbing party survived and were flown from the mountain on Tuesday morning.
- A Givealittle page has been set up to support Vialletet’s wife and young children, with over $90,000 raised so far.
Introduction to the Incident
A tragic incident occurred on Aoraki Mt Cook, resulting in the deaths of two climbers, American lawyer Kellam Conover and mountain guide Thomas Vialletet. The pair were attempting to reach the summit from Empress Hut when they fell from the mountain’s west ridge on Monday night. The incident has sent shockwaves through the climbing community and has raised concerns about the risks and dangers associated with climbing.
The Climbers Involved
Kellam Conover, the American lawyer who died in the incident, was a graduate of Stanford Law School and worked for the international law firm King & Spalding in Washington DC. Thomas Vialletet, the mountain guide who also lost his life, was a married father-of-two who lived in Wānaka and co-owned the mountain and ski guide company Summit Explorers with his wife Danielle. Vialletet’s death has been met with an outpouring of support from the community, with a Givealittle page set up to support his wife and young children.
The Incident and Rescue Efforts
The incident occurred on Monday night when Conover and Vialletet, who were roped together, fell from the mountain’s west ridge. Two other members of the climbing party, who were part of the same group, survived the incident and were flown from the mountain on Tuesday morning. The rescue efforts were swift and efficient, with the survivors receiving medical attention and support. The incident highlights the importance of safety and risk management when engaging in adventure activities like climbing.
Support for the Victims’ Families
In the aftermath of the incident, a Givealittle page was set up to support Vialletet’s wife and young children. The page has been met with an overwhelming response, with over $90,000 raised so far. The support from the community is a testament to the impact that Vialletet had on those around him and the love and respect that he was held in. The fundraising efforts will help to support his family during this difficult time and provide them with the necessary resources to move forward.
Conclusion and Reflection
The incident on Aoraki Mt Cook is a sad reminder of the risks and dangers associated with climbing and adventure activities. It highlights the importance of safety, risk management, and preparedness when engaging in such activities. The deaths of Kellam Conover and Thomas Vialletet are a tragic loss, and their families and loved ones will be deeply affected by their passing. The support from the community, however, is a testament to the love and respect that they were held in, and the fundraising efforts will help to support their families during this difficult time.
