Climber Mortality on Mount Aconcagua,2013–2024

Abstract

Introduction

Mount Aconcagua (6961 m) is the highest peak in the Americas, and thousands of climbers attempt to climb it annually. This study aimed to characterize recent climber mortality on Aconcagua to aid in future safety efforts.

Methods

Climber fatalities from Aconcagua for the 10 most recent climbing seasons (2013–2024) were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Over the study period, 21 of 29,397 climbers died, yielding a fatality rate of 0.071% (0.71 per 1000). Most fatalities occurred at over 6000 m (90%) and were of unspecified medical cause (71%). Trauma represented 19% of deaths. Climbers older than 50 y were more than 5 times more likely to die on Aconcagua than those younger than 50 y (odds ratio = 5.11). Climbers from the United States were found to have a higher incidence of fatality (odds ratio = 2.56). Compared with 2001-2012, fatalities from 2013-2024 occurred with similar incidence overall but more frequently at elevations over 6000 m, and victims were older and more frequently from North America.

Conclusions

Despite the fatality rate on Aconcagua remaining unchanged at 0.071% during 2013-2024, the percentages of deaths at over 6000 m and from medical causes increased from a prior study. Climbers older than 50 y and climbers from the United States were found to be at higher risk of death on Aconcagua. This information can provide a basis for education to reduce future mortality.