3 Spanish Climbers Die in Avalanche in Kyrgyzstan Today

Three very young Spanish climbers died in an avalanche in Kyrgyzstan today.  These climbers were aged 18, 24, and 24 and were all in Kyrgyzstan climbing for a month with the Federation of Catalan Excursionists.

The climbers were climbing a rock face near the summit of 12,700-foot Akun-Too in Ala Archa National Park when an avalanche ripped them off the rock.  Their bodies have been recovered and are being returned to Spain.

These men were part of a 9-person team that was being lead by an instructor from their federation.  None of their companions were involved in the avalanche.

“My condolences to the families of Alex, Jos and Pol, the three Spanish mountaineers killed in Kyrgyzstan. Our affection and solidarity.” Kyrgyzstan Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy wrote in a Twitter message.