Key Takeaways
- A body has been found on the southern side of Mt Huxley, believed to be that of missing 20-year-old Connor Purvis
- The search effort was a collaborative effort involving local volunteers, search teams, and members of the public
- The terrain in the area is described as "pretty rugged and wild" and poses a high risk to climbers
- This incident is part of a series of recent incidents involving mountaineers in the Southern Alps, with several fatalities reported in recent months
- The search and rescue teams have expressed their gratitude to the community for their support and assistance during the search effort
Introduction to the Search Effort
The search for missing Dunedin man Connor Purvis has come to a close with the location of a body on the southern side of Mt Huxley. While formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed to be the 20-year-old who intended to climb Mt Huxley late last month. Otago Coastal Search and Rescue Coordinator Sergeant Matt Sheat praised the efforts of the search teams, describing the environment as "remote, rugged and high-risk". The police have also expressed their gratitude to Mr. Purvis’s friends and family for their input and assistance with the search, and have offered their thoughts and sympathies to them during this difficult time.
The Life of Connor Purvis
Connor Purvis was a 20-year-old man from Dunedin who worked at the local shop Bike House and was a cornet player in the Kaikorai Metropolitan Brass. He was a former student of Otago Boys’ High School, where he was described by the rector, Richard Hall, as a "really nice kid" and well-respected in the school’s community. Mr. Purvis was known to be a keen outdoorsman and an expert climber, and was described by a friend as "a really friendly guy" who frequently went tramping. His passion for the outdoors and his skills as a climber made him a well-rounded and adventurous individual.
The Search Effort
The search for Mr. Purvis was a collaborative effort involving multiple local volunteers, search teams, and members of the public. Sergeant Sheat thanked everyone who helped in the search efforts, including the Omarama volunteer fire brigade and members of the public who reported information to help understand the search area. The search teams faced challenging conditions, with the terrain in the area described as "pretty rugged and wild" by Federated Mountain Clubs president Megan Dimozantos. The South Huxley track, in particular, was noted to be overgrown and prone to windfall, making it easy to accidentally stray off track.
The Risks of Climbing in the Southern Alps
The incident is part of a series of recent incidents involving mountaineers in the Southern Alps, with several fatalities reported in recent months. In late December, Police Search and Rescue recovered the bodies of two climbers from Fiordland National Park, one of whom was an Australian citizen and the other a dual citizen of New Zealand and Canada living in Australia. Just before Christmas, police confirmed that two other missing climbers at Aoraki/Mt Cook were likely dead. On November 24, IFMGA-qualified guide Thomas Vialletet and his American client Kellam Conover lost their lives while attempting to traverse Aoraki/Mt Cook. These incidents highlight the risks and challenges associated with climbing in the Southern Alps, and the importance of proper training, experience, and precautions when undertaking such adventures.
Conclusion and Reflection
The search for Connor Purvis has come to a close, but the incident serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges associated with climbing in the Southern Alps. The search and rescue teams have expressed their gratitude to the community for their support and assistance during the search effort, and have praised the collaborative effort that made the search possible. As the community comes to terms with the loss of Mr. Purvis, it is essential to reflect on the importance of safety and precautions when engaging in outdoor activities, and to appreciate the bravery and selflessness of the search and rescue teams who risk their lives to help those in need. The incident will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the community, and it is essential to learn from it and work towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.