Running News Daily

The dedicated helicopter search for 38-year-old Canadian mountain runner and lawyer Kalie McCrystal has been suspended after an intensive operation failed to find any trace of her on the Matterhorn in Italy.

McCrystal, from Squamish, British Columbia, was last seen on Tuesday, September 1, at around 3,830 metres above the Jean-Antoine Carrel Hut on the Italian side of the Matterhorn. A mountain guide reportedly saw her continuing towards the summit at a fast pace, with McCrystal telling the guide that she was training for an attempt to break the mountain's ascent-and-descent record.

The disappearance has triggered a major search operation across one of the Alps' most challenging environments. Rescue teams conducted repeated helicopter sweeps of the Matterhorn, examining steep cliffs, narrow gullies and other difficult sections of the route on both the Italian and Swiss sides.

A large air ambulance was initially deployed before rescuers switched to a smaller helicopter that could operate closer to the mountain's hazardous rock faces and couloirs. Despite the closer and repeated searches, however, no sign of McCrystal was found.

Authorities also deployed a helicopter-mounted RECCO detector, a technology designed to locate compatible rescue reflectors that can sometimes be incorporated into outdoor clothing or equipment. No signal was detected. Attempts to locate McCrystal through her cellphone also failed to produce a result.

McCrystal had been staying near Cervinia, Italy, as she prepared for a record attempt via the Lion Ridge, the principal Italian route up the Matterhorn. Rising to 4,478 metres, the iconic peak straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy and is renowned for its steep, exposed and technically demanding terrain.

For McCrystal, the planned challenge represented another ambitious chapter in an already impressive mountain-running career. An experienced skyrunner and mountaineer, she has built a reputation for tackling some of the world's most demanding mountain races and routes.

Earlier this year, she won Argentina's 4 Refugios Non-Stop, covering approximately 40 kilometres with 3,350 metres of elevation gain.

Her preparation for the Matterhorn had also included a remarkable solo effort. Just weeks before her disappearance, McCrystal completed a solo ascent and descent of the Matterhorn from Zermatt via Switzerland's Hörnli Ridge in 6:47:33, according to the Fastest Known Time database. Only 10 days later, she competed in Italy's demanding Trofeo Kima skyrunning race.

Her previous experience on the Matterhorn highlights how familiar she was with high-altitude alpine terrain. Athletics Canada describes McCrystal as an experienced skyrunner and mountaineer with extensive knowledge of technical and high-altitude mountain environments. Her planned record attempt was therefore the latest in a series of demanding challenges undertaken at the highest level of mountain running.

Although the dedicated helicopter operation has now been suspended, the search for McCrystal has not completely ended. Mountain guides who regularly climb the Matterhorn are continuing to remain alert for any possible signs, while rescuers are awaiting additional information from police that could potentially lead to a new, more targeted search.

Athletics Canada has also appealed to the media to help raise awareness of McCrystal's disappearance and support the ongoing efforts to locate her.

The news has left the Canadian mountain-running community, as well as many international athletes and supporters who have followed McCrystal's achievements, deeply concerned. Her family is working directly with mountain-rescue services as efforts to determine her whereabouts continue.

At this difficult time, thoughts remain with Kalie McCrystal's family, friends, teammates and everyone involved in the search, with the mountain-running community continuing to hope for answers and her safe return.