Matterhorn: Canadian skyrunner Kalie McCrystal missing

Canadian skyrunner and mountaineer Kalie McCrystal has gone missing while attempting a speed record on the Matterhorn. McCrystal, a 38-year-old from Squamish, British Columbia, was attempting to climb and descend the peak via the Lion Ridge in under five hours.

She was last seen on September 1 near the Jean-Antoine Carrel hut at an altitude of approximately 3,830 metres. A photograph taken at that time showed her wearing light gear, including shorts and a technical jacket. Rescuers noted that her predominantly white clothing has made her difficult to spot against the rock and snow.

Search and rescue operations, involving the Valle d'Aosta mountain rescue service and the Guardia di Finanza, included aerial reconnaissance with helicopters and the use of RECCO detector technology. Efforts also included attempts to locate her mobile phone. Following extensive searches on both the Italian and Swiss sides of the mountain, helicopter operations have been suspended after no trace of her was found.

Athletics Canada confirmed McCrystal is a highly respected member of the skyrunning community with extensive high-altitude experience. Her disappearance has deeply affected the local mountain running community in Squamish.