American mountaineer found mummified in Peru after 22 years
The preserved remains of American mountaineer, William Stampfl, who disappeared while climbing a Peruvian peak 22 years ago, have been discovered due to ice melt caused by climate change. Stampfl was reported missing in June 2002 during an avalanche on Huascaran mountain. Despite extensive search and rescue efforts at the time, no trace of him was found until now.
Stampfl's remains uncovered by melting ice
Peruvian authorities have reported that the melting ice on the Cordillera Blanca range of the Andes exposed Stampfl's remains. The cold conditions had preserved his body remarkably well, with his clothes, harness and boots found intact. Images distributed by police demonstrated the extent of preservation. Stampfl's passport was among the items found with his remains, which helped police to identify him.
Recent tragedies on Peruvian mountains
The mountains of northeastern Peru, including Huascaran and Cashan, are frequented by mountaineers worldwide. However, recent months have seen other climbers meet tragic ends in this region. In May, an Israeli hiker's body was discovered nearly a month after he went missing. Last month, an experienced Italian mountaineer was found dead after falling while attempting to scale another peak in the Andes.
