A close companion of a Canadian athlete who disappeared on the Matterhorn expresses the hopeful anticipation of Squamish, B.C.’s mountain running community for her safe return. Kalie McCrystal, a renowned mountain athlete from Squamish, was last sighted on September 1 above the Jean-Antoine Carrel hut on the mountain, situated at an elevation of around 3,830 meters. Despite the mobilization of search and rescue teams to locate her, the helicopter operations were halted after an entire day of aerial searches failed to uncover any signs of her.
Duncan O’Regan, a friend of McCrystal, expressed the community’s desire for her safe homecoming, stating, “We just want her to come home safe. And we miss her here. So we’re just crossing our fingers.” Describing her as a prominent figure in the local mountain running scene, O’Regan highlighted McCrystal’s goal of achieving a speed record by climbing and descending the Matterhorn in under five hours via the Lion Ridge route.
McCrystal, a 38-year-old lawyer, was focusing on attaining the fastest known time on the iconic peak, a feat well within her capabilities according to O’Regan. The Matterhorn, standing at 4,478 meters and straddling Italy and Switzerland, presented a challenging yet familiar terrain for McCrystal, who had been diligently preparing for the ascent and descent. Known for her expertise in skyrunning, a blend of trail running and mountaineering, McCrystal’s achievements have garnered admiration within the local sports community.
In July, McCrystal set the fastest known female time on Squamish’s Tantalus Traverse, completing it in just nine hours and 40 minutes, shattering the previous record by an impressive three hours. Her prowess was further demonstrated through international competitions and mountain endeavors, including a notable fourth-place finish in the demanding Trofeo Kima skyrunning race in Italy.
Capilano University, where McCrystal serves as a faculty member, conveyed its support during this challenging period, with the university’s president expressing solidarity with her loved ones and search parties. Global Affairs Canada confirmed awareness of the situation and engagement with local authorities concerning the missing Canadian athlete. O’Regan reiterated the collective sentiment in Squamish, emphasizing the community’s longing for McCrystal’s swift return.