Experienced ski mountaineer Alex Chiu, 41, tragically fell over 3,000 feet from the West Buttress of Mount McKinley on June 2, 2025, prompting a challenging two-day search before his body was recovered.

Chiu's fall, which occurred while he was climbing un-roped towards Peters Glacier, highlights the inherent dangers of high-altitude expeditions, especially amid the approximately 500 climbers on the mountain that day. High winds and snow impeded rescue efforts, leading to his body being found two days later. The incident has raised concerns about climbing safety and prompted an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Chiu, originally from New York City, had moved to Seattle before returning to Brooklyn in 2023. He was known among his peers for his adventurous spirit and dedication to mountain climbing. His recent Instagram post revealed that he was attempting to recapture that spirit after taking a break from climbing, a pursuit he evidently approached with enthusiasm and determination.

On the day of the accident, Chiu was a part of a larger climbing group on the West Buttress route, one of the most popular paths on Mount McKinley. His decision to climb un-roped, a technique that increases mobility but also significantly elevates risk, has drawn attention as investigators continue to analyze the factors that contributed to the fatal fall. Climbing un-roped is often preferred by experienced mountaineers for specific sections but can be perilous in certain conditions, such as high winds and falling snow, both of which were present during Chiu's climb.

Witnesses from the expedition reported that they immediately sought help as soon as they witnessed Chiu’s fall. The distressing situation prompted a rapid response from search and rescue teams; however, extreme weather conditions quickly became a barrier. Rescuers faced challenges from the high winds, which gusted at alarming speeds, and the snowfall, both of which posed hazards to safe recovery operations and visibility on the mountain. These circumstances severely limited the search and rescue efforts in the crucial hours following the accident.

Despite the adverse weather, rescue teams prioritized finding Chiu. The search continued tirelessly, with climbers and rescuers battling the elements to locate the fallen mountaineer. Unfortunately, the arduous conditions delayed the search, leading to a prolonged wait before a recovery was able to take place.

On June 4, 2025, after two days of intensive search efforts, Chiu's body was located and recovered. Following the recovery operation, his body was transferred to the state medical examiner for further investigation. This procedure is standard protocol in incidents involving fatalities, particularly in mountaineering accidents.

Chiu's professional background as an aerospace engineer for the Federal Aviation Administration adds another layer of depth to his story. Known for his analytical mindset and technical skills, friends and colleagues noted that Chiu often combined his scientific knowledge with his love for the outdoors. His dual passion for engineering and adventure was a characteristic that many admired about him.

The incident has sparked a broader discussion about safety measures in high-altitude climbing. Climbing enthusiasts and industry experts are now stressing the importance of risk management strategies for climbers on popular routes like those found on Mount McKinley. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Chiu’s fall, hoping to provide insights that could enhance safety protocols to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Friends and fellow climbers around the country have expressed their condolences, remembering Chiu not just as an adventurer. As the climbing community comes to terms with this loss, Chiu's story serves as a poignant reminder of the risks associated with high-altitude sports.