The climbers have been identified as 28-year-old Connor Scott McKenzie, a dual citizen of New Zealand and Canada, and 23-year-old Australian citizen Tanmay Shetankumar Bhati, both residing in Australia.
The unfortunate event took place on the north buttress of Sabre Peak, a renowned climbing destination known for being on many climbers’ bucket lists.
Search efforts were hampered by weather conditions, with one of the men discovered deceased on Saturday and the other on Sunday when the search resumed.
In a heartfelt statement, Scott McKenzie’s family described him as a kind and well-centred individual who was cherished by all who knew him. His father emphasized his son’s wealth in the form of friendships, highlighting the impact Scott had on those around him.
Scott McKenzie’s upbringing was marked by extensive travel due to his parents’ involvement in international schools across five continents, shaping his adventurous spirit from a young age. His passion for climbing led him to explore uncharted territories and challenge himself in ways that few dare to.
Despite the profound grief felt by Connor’s loved ones, there is comfort in knowing that he lived a life filled with passion and adventure, ultimately meeting his end while pursuing his greatest joy.
The family expressed gratitude towards the authorities and everyone involved in the search and recovery efforts, acknowledging the immense difficulty of the task at hand.
