Overview
- Patrulla de Rescate and a group of guides located Sotelo’s body on Friday in Quebrada La Angostura at about 4,000 meters above sea level.
- The deceased was identified as 48‑year‑old Esteban Sotelo, a Buenos Aires native who was a second‑year student at the Escuela Provincial de Guías de Alta Montaña y Trekking.
- Sotelo entered the Vallecitos sector alone on September 20 intending to ascend Cerro Franke via Quebrada La Angostura and the canaleta known as 'Alma de Diamante'.
- Strong winds, snow and poor visibility grounded drones and the police helicopter, forced ground teams to withdraw after the discovery, and pushed the planned recovery to first light when conditions allow.
- The Office Fiscal of Luján de Cuyo is coordinating next steps including the descent and forensic examination to determine cause of death while colleagues and family prepare for formal procedures.