Santiago, Chile—The group was attempting a high-altitude climb when the slope gave way. A massive sheet of ice and snow detached near the summit. It swept the lead climber down the eastern face. The other three members managed to anchor themselves to a ridge. They watched as their colleague disappeared into the whiteout. They initiated a distress call via satellite phone immediately.

Mountain rescue teams launched a helicopter operation by noon. The weather conditions remained precarious for the entire flight. Winds gusted over 60 kilometers per hour. Pilots hovered near the base of the peak to drop the ground crew. The team located the victim under two meters of packed snow. They attempted CPR, but the climber showed no vital signs.

The body was transported to the regional medical examiner’s office. Authorities have yet to release the victim's name. They are currently notifying the next of kin. The remaining climbers are receiving treatment for mild hypothermia. They were evacuated to a base camp hospital. All climbing permits for this section of the range are now suspended.

Meteorologists had warned of unstable conditions earlier in the week. A sharp rise in temperature triggered the slide. The snowpack had become saturated and weak. Despite these warnings, the group chose to push for the summit. Park rangers are now assessing the risk to other hikers in the area. They have designated the route as a no-go zone.

Recovery crews are still on the mountain. They are securing gear and marking the site for future investigation. The tragedy has renewed the debate over seasonal climbing restrictions. Local guides are calling for stricter enforcement of safety protocols. The mountain remains closed until the current storm system passes. There is no plan to reopen the route for the foreseeable future.