Aerial searches for Canadian mountain runner Kalie McCrystal on the Italian side of the Matterhorn have been halted after multiple sweeps failed to locate the 38-year-old from Squamish, B.C., who was last seen near the Jean-Antoine Carrel hut at around 3,830 meters while heading towards the summit. The extensive helicopter operation was discontinued following a full day of scanning the area on Thursday without any sign of her.
Initially, a large air ambulance helicopter was deployed, but it was later replaced by a smaller aircraft capable of getting closer to the mountain’s rugged terrain. Despite these efforts, no trace of McCrystal was found. The last known sighting was when a mountain guide encountered her above the Carrel hut, mentioning her training for a record attempt.
The iconic Matterhorn, standing at 4,478 meters, straddles the border between Italy and Switzerland. McCrystal had been in the Cervinia region of Italy preparing for a rapid climb and descent of the mountain via the Lion Ridge. The search for her included checking steep gullies, cliff sections, and areas on both the Italian and Swiss sides of the mountain.
Special equipment including a helicopter-mounted RECCO detector, capable of locating specific reflectors, was used, but no signals were detected. Efforts to establish contact with McCrystal’s cellphone also yielded no results.
McCrystal, a prominent skyrunner in Canada, had previously achieved success in challenging mountain races. She recently completed a solo ascent and descent of the Matterhorn via the Swiss Hörnli Ridge in record time. Despite the suspension of the helicopter operation, mountain guides are continuing to search for any signs of her, awaiting potential leads from the authorities to resume a more targeted effort.
Global Affairs Canada has been contacted for updates, with the hope of gathering more information to aid in the search.