In a chilling discovery, the mummified remains of an American mountaineer who vanished 22 years ago have been found on the icy slopes of Peru’s Andes, police announced Monday. William Stampfl, who was 59 at the time of his disappearance, was reported missing in June 2002 after an avalanche engulfed his climbing party on Huascarán, a peak towering over 22,000 feet (6,700 meters).
The discovery
The breakthrough in this decades-old mystery came as climate change-induced ice melt in the Cordillera Blanca range revealed Stampfl’s body. According to Peruvian police, the extreme cold had preserved not only his body but also his clothes, harness, and boots, which were found in remarkable condition.
Among the personal belongings discovered with the remains was Stampfl’s passport, which allowed authorities to confirm his identity. Images distributed by the police depict the well-preserved state of Stampfl’s body and belongings, a testament to the freezing conditions that acted as a natural mummification process.
A Popular yet perilous destination
The mountains of northeastern Peru, including the renowned peaks of Huascarán and Cashan, attract mountaineers from around the globe, drawn by the challenge and beauty of these towering giants. However, the region is not without its risks. Just in the past few months, it has witnessed multiple tragedies.
Recent tragedies
In May, the body of an Israeli hiker was discovered nearly a month after he went missing. Last month, an experienced Italian mountaineer met a fatal end while attempting to scale another peak in the Andes. These incidents serve as stark reminders of the perilous nature of high-altitude climbing in this breathtaking yet unforgiving terrain.
The discovery of William Stampfl’s body, preserved for over two decades by the ice, brings a somber closure to his family and friends who have waited years for answers. As the glaciers continue to retreat due to climate change, more such discoveries may emerge, uncovering the hidden stories frozen in time on the world’s highest peaks.