Sole survivor of deadly Denali climbing accident returns to Latvia

Latvian mountaineer Mārtiņš Bilzēns has returned to Latvia following a serious accident on Denali, North America's highest peak. Bilzēns was the only survivor of a four-person team after a catastrophic fall from 300 meters. He spent nearly two months receiving treatment in an Anchorage hospital.

Upon arrival in Riga, Bilzēns was immediately placed under medical care. His family expressed gratitude through Latvian Television to everyone who donated funds to support his recovery after the severe incident. The accident occurred in late May on a steep slope of Denali, which stands at 6,190 meters.

Tragically, three other members of the expedition – Inese Pučeka, Vija Olte, and Renārs Kunigs-Salaks – perished in the fall. Another expedition participant, Mārtiņš Puriņš, along with Edgars Madžulis and Guntis Svariņš, were evacuated from the mountain by rescuers. Two of them sustained frostbite injuries.

The incident took place on a climbing stage between "High Camp" and "Denali Pass," at an altitude of approximately 5,545 meters. The expedition, planned from May 10 to June 11, aimed to summit Denali. The team had anticipated extreme cold, with temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius, strong winds, and over three weeks of living in tents, carrying heavy gear and sleds.