An Australian female climber died after being airlifted from Mt Cook National Park this morning following an accident.
Inspector Dave Gaskin says a helicopter was deployed after a beacon was set off by a climbing party shortly after 8am on the Eugenie Glacier at the bottom of the Footstall in the National Park.
Rescue teams found the 29-year-old woman had fallen 300 metres from near the top of the peak onto the glacier.
"She was airlifted to the Aoraki Mount Cook Search and Rescue Base where she received medical treatment. Unfortunately she passed away a short time later," says Insp Gaskin.
"All members of the climbing party, including the victim, were experienced and well equipped," he says.
"Weather conditions prior to the accident are understood to have been good. The other members of the climbing party have been airlifted back to Mt Cook Village and are helping Police piece together what led to the accident occurring."
The death comes after an experienced male climber died on Mt Cook earlier in the month.
Canterbury Police urge anyone going into the backcountry over the summer period to carry a personal locator beacon so help can be despatched quickly in the event of an emergency.
3 News
