A companion of a Canadian athlete who has gone missing on the Matterhorn reports that the mountain running community in Squamish, B.C. is optimistic about her safe return.
Kalie McCrystal, an accomplished mountain runner hailing from Squamish, was last spotted on September 1, above the Jean-Antoine Carrel hut, which is situated at an elevation of approximately 3,830 metres.
Rescue teams were dispatched to locate her; however, they recently announced the suspension of helicopter search operations, as a full day of aerial searches on Thursday yielded no results.
“We just want her to come home safe,” expressed Duncan O’Regan, a friend of McCrystal. “We miss her here, so we’re just keeping our fingers crossed.”
He characterized her as a prominent figure within the local mountain running scene.
Pursuing a speed record
The 38-year-old lawyer was preparing to ascend and descend the Matterhorn in under five hours via the Lion Ridge, the principal route from Italy, with aspirations to achieve the fastest known time.
“I believe this goal was well within her reach,” stated O’Regan, also a mountain runner. “She has accomplished far more challenging feats, and this is certainly not beyond her skills. She is at ease in this kind of terrain.”
O’Regan noted that the Matterhorn challenge has been a focus of her training and preparation. The Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, is located on the border of Italy and Switzerland, rising to 4,478 metres.
Kalie McCrystal, a 38-year-old mountain runner from Squamish, B.C., in an image shared on Instagram on August 7. She was last seen on Tuesday. (kalie_mcc/Instagram)
McCrystal is recognized as a skilled skyrunner — a sport that merges trail running with mountaineering.
“It’s like combining a long-distance run with scrambling over rocky terrain,” explained Jacob Cook, a professional climber residing in Squamish. “It often transitions quickly into actual climbing.”
Cook mentioned that while he does not know McCrystal personally, he has heard of her achievements within the local community and finds them impressive.
A distinguished athlete
In July, McCrystal achieved the fastest known female time for Squamish’s Tantalus Traverse, completing it in nine hours and 40 minutes, surpassing the previous record by three hours, according to the Fastest Known Time database.
“Completing the Tantalus Traverse in her time showcases an extraordinary level of athletic prowess,” remarked Cook, who traversed the route a day later.
McCrystal has put herself to the test in competitions and mountainous regions around the world.
Recently, she secured fourth place in the women’s category of the Trofeo Kima skyrunning event, which challenges participants with 52 kilometres of highly technical mountain terrain in Italy.
On August 14, McCrystal successfully completed a solo ascent and descent from Zermatt via the Swiss Hörnli Ridge in a time of six hours, 47 minutes, and 33 seconds, as per the Fastest Known Time database.
McCrystal is recognized as a skilled skyrunner, a sport that merges trail running with mountaineering. (Randall Hackley/The Associated Press)
Global Affairs is aware of the situation
Capilano University, where she serves as a faculty member, has expressed its condolences.
“Our thoughts are with Kalie’s family, friends, and colleagues, along with everyone involved in the search efforts during this profoundly challenging time,” stated Jason Dewling, president and vice-chancellor of the university.
Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that they are aware of a Canadian who is missing and are in communication with local authorities.
“The community in Squamish is really missing Kalie and hoping for her quick return,” O’Regan added.