Overview
- Kyrgyz authorities suspended active operations and listed the Russian alpinist as missing after later flights reported no heat or movement at her tent near 7,150 meters.
- Nagovitsyna fractured a leg during her August 12 descent from Pico Pobeda/Victoria and had been immobilized in a tent on the summit ridge.
- An MI-8 helicopter attempting an approach on August 16 made a forced landing around 4,900–5,000 meters, injuring crew and rescuers who were later transferred to Moscow for treatment.
- Volunteer climber Luca Sinigaglia of Italy reached her with supplies but died days later from altitude-related illness, while earlier drone footage on August 19 showed movement that was not corroborated by a thermal overflight on August 26.
- Rescue leaders cite extreme altitude, severe weather and technical terrain that exceed helicopter performance and would require large teams, with recovery of remains expected to be attempted in spring 2026 despite family appeals to continue efforts.