Accident on Mt Ruapehu

Hi Folks

We are making club members aware of the accident that happened on Mt Ruapehu on Saturday morning - please see info below.

NZAC ACCIDENT ON MT RUAPEHU

Dear NZAC members

By the time you read this, many of you will already be aware of the fatal accident on Mt Ruapehu involving a NZAC Instruction group on Saturday morning. NZAC wish to express our sadness at the loss of climber and club member Paul McLauchlan (age 34) in this incident.

NZAC President Peter Cammell has offered his personal support to all those involved in this incident. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our thoughts and compassion go to his family and loved ones for their loss.

“Mr McLauchlan was a member of the Wellington Section of the New Zealand Alpine Club. We offer our support to those who knew Paul and for the other climbers in the group.”

Paul was ascending the lower slopes of Grand Gully below Pinnacles Ridge above the Whakapapa Ski Field, in a small group of six including two instructors. The group had just decided to rope up when Paul lost his footing and fell 300m down the gully.  Other climbers and emergency services were quickly on the scene, but were unable to revive him.

As more information becomes available, we will keep Club members informed. NZAC will be giving full support to any review of this incident and is committed to ensure what, if any, lessons can be learnt for the future.

Feel free to phone or email us directly if you need further information.

Ollie Clifton                                                     Peter Cammell

NZAC Executive Officer                                  NZAC President

            Ph. 03 3777595 or 027 333 9252                   Ph. 0274 905 218

            ollie@alpineclub.org.nz                                alpinist@xtra.co.nz