Body of American Climber Found 22 Years After Avalanche in Peru
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Loading... - Willow Cook
- 11 Jul 2024
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Peruvian police announced on Tuesday the discovery of the body of William Stampfl, an American mountaineer who had been buried by an avalanche 22 years ago while attempting to climb one of the Andes' highest peaks.
Discovery and Identification:
The body was located near a camp at an altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level.
Stampfl, who was 58 years old at the time of the avalanche, was found on Friday.
His body and clothing were well-preserved by the ice and freezing temperatures, facilitating identification.
The presence of his driving license further confirmed his identity.
Background:
Stampfl was climbing the 6,768-meter Mount Huascaran with friends Matthew Richardson and Steve Erskine in 2002 when the avalanche occurred.
Erskine's body was recovered shortly after the incident, but Richardson remains missing.
Recovery Effort:
Guides and police officers worked together to bring Stampfl's body down from the mountain over the weekend.
The body has been placed in a morgue in the city of Huaraz.
Mount Huascaran:
The mountain is a popular destination, attracting hundreds of climbers each year.
Climbers typically spend about a week ascending to the summit with the assistance of local guides.
This discovery brings a sense of closure to a tragic event that occurred over two decades ago, highlighting the perils and enduring legacy of high-altitude mountaineering.
