Canadian and Mexican Climbers Killed in Avalanche on Peruvian Peak
Peruvian rescue teams have recovered the bodies of Sandra Covone, a Canadian woman, and her Mexican husband, Daniel Navarro, after they were killed in an avalanche on Tocllaraju, a 6,034-meter-high peak in the Cordillera Blanca range of the Andes near Huaraz, Peru.
Details of the Tragedy
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the avalanche struck at dawn on Wednesday, June 17, as the couple reached the summit of Tocllaraju—one of the region’s most popular snow-capped peaks that draws mountaineers from around the world. The Peruvian Mountain Guides Association confirmed that Covone and Navarro were experienced climbers who had been undertaking an acclimatization program in the region ahead of their ascent.
Covone’s body was recovered on Thursday, while Navarro’s remains were found on Friday at approximately 5,500 meters above sea level in an area described as difficult to access. Both bodies were transported to the Huaraz city mortuary for subsequent repatriation.
Rescue Operation
Their mountain guide, Floriano Caldua, was also buried in the avalanche but survived and raised the alarm via satellite phone. He was later rescued by a mountain rescue team in stable condition.
Three rescue teams were deployed for the search and recovery operation. They successfully located the guide and Covone’s body, while the search for Navarro’s remains was temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions before resuming the following day.
Acclimatization Climbs
Prior to the fatal ascent, the couple had posted updates from training climbs of Nevado Mateo on June 7 and Nevado Vallunaraju on June 9 as part of their acclimatization route in the region.
National Post has reached out to Global Affairs Canada for confirmation and further details.
