Overview
- Rescuers called off dedicated helicopter reconnaissance after repeated aerial sweeps of the Matterhorn returned no sign of Kalie McCrystal.
- McCrystal was last seen above the Jean-Antoine Carrel hut on the Italian side of the peak as she headed toward the summit during a training run.
- Teams flew a smaller, more maneuverable helicopter and used a RECCO detector and attempts to ping a cellphone, but found neither a RECCO beacon nor a phone signal.
- Local mountain guides continue to scan commonly used routes by hand and report anything they find to rescue crews while authorities say new police information could trigger a focused search.
- Global Affairs Canada is in contact with local authorities and friends, colleagues and McCrystal’s employer have expressed hope and concern as officials weigh next steps; the Matterhorn’s steep, technical terrain and limits of detection tech complicate rescue work.