### Climber’s Body Found Two Days After Fatal Fall on Mount McKinley

The tragic discovery of a climber's body was made two days after he fell approximately 3,000 feet while attempting to ascend Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, reports the National Parks Service (NPS).

The climber, identified as 41-year-old Alex Chiu, was tackling the mountain's daunting West Buttress route alongside two companions when he fell at a spot called Squirrel Point. The witness accounts provided by his friends stated that they attempted to lower themselves over the edge to locate him but were unsuccessful in hearing or seeing any trace of Chiu. In desperation, they made the hard decision to descend the mountain and seek assistance.

Unfortunately, rescue operations were hampered by high winds and snow, which prevented teams from reaching the site of the fall immediately. It wasn't until two days later, on a Wednesday morning, that rescuers were able to access the area and recover Chiu's body.

Mount McKinley, standing at an imposing 20,000 feet, is the highest peak in North America. The West Buttress route, in particular, has suffered multiple fatalities from falls since 1980, according to the NPS. Presently, around 500 climbers are on Mount McKinley, a peak that sees heightened activity during the climbing season, which starts in early May and usually winds down by early July.

This incident underscores the ever-present risks faced by climbers on one of the continent's most formidable mountains.