“Two Dead, One Missing on Mexico’s Pico de Orizaba: Highest Mountain in the Country”

Tragedy Strikes on Mexico’s Pico de Orizaba: Highest Mountain in the Country

In a devastating turn of events, two climbers have lost their lives on Mexico’s Pico de Orizaba, the tallest mountain in the country. The search is still ongoing for another climber who remains missing. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that come with scaling such treacherous peaks.

The authorities in the central state of Puebla made the grim announcement late Tuesday, revealing that the body of a guide leading an ascent of the 18,619-foot volcanic peak had been found. The guide’s lifeless body was discovered at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet. Efforts are underway to bring the body down from the mountain.

Tragically, this was not the only fatality on Pico de Orizaba. Another member of the 12-person climbing group had already perished earlier during the ascent. The mountain, also known by its Indigenous name Citlaltépetl, has claimed many lives over the years, and this recent incident adds to its grim tally.

The group had embarked on their journey up the mountain on Saturday, but they soon found themselves disoriented amidst challenging weather conditions. Despite their best efforts, only five members managed to make it back down on their own by Sunday. Four others were fortunate enough to be rescued by brave teams on the mountain.

Accidents on Pico de Orizaba are sadly not uncommon. Since 2015, climbers and rescuers have discovered at least three mummified bodies in the snow, believed to be from a tragic avalanche that occurred in 1959. In more recent years, six individuals have lost their lives on this perilous peak.

One such incident occurred in 2023 when four Mexican citizens tragically perished in a climbing accident. In 2018, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico mourned the loss of a member of the U.S. diplomatic mission who died during another climbing incident on the mountain. The embassy revealed that rescue teams battled through adverse weather conditions for two days in an attempt to save two American climbers. Fortunately, one of them survived.

Sadly, in November 2017, another American climber lost their life on Pico de Orizaba. They were part of a group of eight climbers, all of whom were eventually rescued except for the unfortunate individual.

These incidents serve as a somber reminder of the inherent risks involved in mountaineering. Despite the allure and beauty of these majestic peaks, they demand respect and careful preparation. The weather can be unpredictable, and even the most experienced climbers can find themselves at the mercy of nature’s wrath.

As the search continues for the missing climber on Pico de Orizaba, our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this tragedy. Let us remember the importance of safety and caution when venturing into the great unknown, for it is a responsibility we owe to ourselves and those who care about us.