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CHRISTEL YARDLEY / Things
A woman who was climbing with the New Zealand Alpine Club died during a climbing expedition on Mount Ruapehu (file photo)
The New Zealand Alpine Club has confirmed that a climber who died on Mount Ruapehu on Saturday was a member participating in a club trip.
In a statement, the club said its members were moved by the event and wanted to offer support to all involved on Saturday.
“The investigation into the circumstances of the accident is ongoing, but our understanding coincides with what has already been reported in the media.
“The group was well prepared and equipped for a great day in the mountains, when on the Tukino ski slope a member of the group suffered an uncontrolled slide.”
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The group was able to contact Search and Rescue immediately, but a helicopter was unable to reach the area and the person who fell was pronounced dead when the group returned to the shelter.
“We thank the Ruapehu Alpine Rescue Team, SAR, the police and the general public for their efforts to get the party out of the mountain safely.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased, and also with those involved in the journey and rescue.
“This is a difficult time for them and the climbing community in general, and we would appreciate being given a space to deal with this traumatic event.”