A member of the mountain running community in Squamish, B.C., expresses optimism for the safe return of a Canadian athlete who disappeared on the Matterhorn. Kalie McCrystal, a prominent mountain athlete from Squamish, was last spotted on September 1 near the mountain’s Jean-Antoine Carrel hut at an elevation of around 3,830 meters.
Despite search and rescue teams’ efforts to locate her, they decided to halt helicopter operations after an entire day of aerial searches yielded no results. Duncan O’Regan, a close friend of McCrystal, shared, “We’re eagerly awaiting her safe return and miss her presence here. Our hopes are high.”
McCrystal, a 38-year-old lawyer, aimed to conquer the Matterhorn’s Lion Ridge route, ascending and descending in under five hours to set a new speed record. O’Regan, also a mountain runner, expressed confidence in her abilities, stating that this challenge was well within her skill set given her previous accomplishments.
Recognized for her prowess as a skyrunner, McCrystal combines trail running with mountaineering skills. She recently set a remarkable record by completing Squamish’s Tantalus Traverse in nine hours and 40 minutes, besting the previous mark by three hours. Her achievements extend to international competitions, such as finishing fourth in the Trofeo Kima skyrunning race in Italy.
Capilano University, where McCrystal serves as a faculty member, conveyed its support during this challenging period. Global Affairs Canada acknowledged the situation and remains in contact with local authorities. O’Regan and the Squamish community eagerly anticipate McCrystal’s safe return.
Photo Caption: Kalie McCrystal, a skilled skyrunner from Squamish, B.C., in an image shared on Instagram.