Authorities in the central state of Puebla, Mexico, confirmed on Wednesday the tragic news of two climbers who lost their lives on the country's highest mountain, Pico de Orizaba. The climbers were part of a 12-member group attempting to ascend the 18,619-foot volcanic peak. Sadly, a guide leading the expedition was found deceased at an altitude of about 15,000 feet, while another climber had previously died on the challenging summit. The search continues for the remaining missing climber from the group.

Reports indicate that the group encountered challenging weather conditions, leading to them losing their way on the mountain after setting out on Saturday. Fortunately, five climbers were able to make it down on their own on Sunday, and four others were rescued during the operation.

Tragically, accidents on Pico de Orizaba are not uncommon, with at least six recent deaths reported on the mountain since 2015. Notably, in 2023, four Mexican citizens lost their lives in a climbing accident, while in 2018, a member of the U.S. diplomatic mission perished in a separate incident. Additionally, in November 2017, an American climber passed away, with the rest of the group successfully rescued.

The treacherous conditions on Pico de Orizaba have claimed multiple lives over the years, with rescuers and climbers discovering mummified bodies dating back to a 1959 avalanche. As authorities work to bring closure to the recent tragedy, the risks associated with climbing Mexico's highest peak serve as a somber reminder of the dangers that adventurers face in the unforgiving terrain.