Official announcements from Peruvian government or mountaineering organizations

Body of American Climber William Stampfl Found on Huascaran 22 Years After Avalanche

Jul 9, 2024, 09:58 PM

The mummified body of American mountaineer William Stampfl, who went missing 22 years ago, has been found in Peru. Stampfl, 59, from Chino, California, was buried by an avalanche in June 2002 while climbing the 22,000-foot Mount Huascaran, one of the highest peaks in the Andes. Peruvian police and mountain rescue workers recovered his body, which had been preserved by the ice and freezing temperatures. The discovery was made possible due to the retreat of glaciers, attributed to climate change. Stampfl's body, along with his clothes, harness, and boots, was found intact. He was climbing with two friends, who were also killed in the avalanche.