Peru: They found the mummified body of an American climber who disappeared 22 years ago on the South American country’s highest peak.
image Source, Peru Police
- Author, Sam Cabral
- Role, BBC News, Washington
The mummified remains of an American climber have been found 22 years after he disappeared while climbing a mountain in Peru.
William Stampfle, 59, was reported missing in June 2002 after he and his expedition companions were buried in an avalanche while climbing Mount Huascaran, Peru’s highest peak.
Peruvian police said melting snow had revealed Stampfl’s clothed, mummified body.
The mountaineer was identified from a passport found in his luggage.
Police said Stampfl’s body was well preserved by the snow and her clothing was in good condition.AFP agency reported. He was still wearing his boots and harness.
Mount Huascarán, located about 435 kilometers north of Lima, rises over 6,700 meters.
With its snow-capped peaks and impressive climbs, the Cordillera Blanca in northeastern Peru is a draw for climbers from around the world.
image Source, Getty Images
From California to the highest peak in Peru
Along with two others, Steve Erskine and Matthew Richardson, Stampfle set out on a trip from California to Peru’s highest peak.
But their climb was interrupted by an avalanche on June 24, 2002. So far, only Erskine’s body has been found.
Stampfle is at least the third person found dead in the area this year.
In May, authorities found the body of a missing Israeli, while in June an Italian died while trying to climb another snowy peak in the mountain range.
Similar incidents have occurred in different parts of the world.
In June, five frozen bodies were found on Mount Everest, the planet’s highest peak.
Glaciers are melting all over the world, scientists are attributing this phenomenon to accelerating climate change.
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