The search for Canadian mountain runner Kalie McCrystal via helicopter has been halted following multiple aerial sweeps of the Italian side of the Matterhorn without success in locating the 38-year-old athlete and lawyer from Squamish, B.C.
After an entire day of aerial searches on Thursday yielded no results, the specialized helicopter operation was called off.
McCrystal was last sighted on Tuesday near the Jean-Antoine Carrel hut at an altitude of approximately 3,830 meters, heading towards the summit.
Initially, rescuers utilized a large air ambulance helicopter before transitioning to a smaller aircraft capable of maneuvering closer to the mountain’s steep rock faces and narrow gullies.
Valerio Segor from the Valle d’Aosta mountain rescue service mentioned to CBC, “We switched to a significantly smaller helicopter that can approach the cliffs and inspect the couloirs. However, no sightings were reported.”
The most recent confirmed encounter occurred when a mountain guide crossed paths with McCrystal above the Carrel hut.
Canadian mountain runner Kalie McCrystal, 38, of Squamish, B.C., in an image posted to Instagram on Aug. 7. McCrystal was last seen on Tuesday, making her way toward the summit of the Matterhorn. (@kalie_mcc/Instagram)
“She was observed ascending rapidly by the guide, who was informed by [McCrystal] that she was training to attempt a record,” Segor explained. “Since then, no further sightings have been reported.”
The Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, stands at 4,478 meters above sea level, straddling the border between Italy and Switzerland.
Search Efforts Using Helicopters
McCrystal had been residing in the Cervinia region of northwestern Italy, gearing up for an endeavor to ascend and descend the Matterhorn in under five hours through the Lion Ridge, the primary route from the Italian side.
Her disappearance triggered an extensive search of the mountain, covering steep gullies, cliff sections, and segments of the route on both the Italian and Swiss sides.
Segor mentioned the use of a helicopter-mounted RECCO detector, a radar system designed to locate compatible reflectors integrated into specific outdoor gear. It was suggested by a friend that McCrystal’s backpack might contain one.
“We attempted to detect any signs of a RECCO beacon using the antenna mounted on the helicopter,” Segor stated. “Unfortunately, no signals were detected on either the Italian or Swiss side.”
Efforts to establish a signal from McCrystal’s cellphone also yielded no results.
Prior Skyrunning Experience
McCrystal is a prominent skyrunner in Canada, competing in challenging mountain terrains at high altitudes.
Earlier this year, she secured victory in Argentina’s 4 Refugios Non-Stop, covering a distance of approximately 40 kilometers with an elevation gain of 3,350 meters.