News Release

Deceased Climber Identified

Date: June 1, 2024
Contact: Paul Ollig, 907-683-9531

Denali Park, AK – Denali National Park and Preserve mountaineering personnel recovered the remains of a deceased Malaysian climber the evening of May 31.  Zulkifli Bin Yusof, age 36, likely died of exposure and altitude-related illness on May 29 after enduring multiple days with minimal survival gear in a snow cave at 19,600 feet on Denali. His remains were recovered via short-haul by the park’s high altitude helicopter pilot, with an NPS mountaineering patrol providing ground support.  

Yusof’s two partners survived the expedition. One partner, age 48, was evacuated from 17,200 feet the night of May 28, and the other partner, age 47, was evacuated from 19,600 feet the morning of Friday, May 31. Both are recuperating from cold injuries in an Anchorage hospital. 

Last updated: May 1, 2024