Search and rescue, Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park

Please attribute to Senior Constable Les Andrew

Police can confirm that two people have died following a reported avalanche on Mt Hicks, in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

The Rescue Coordination Centre was alerted to the incident via a personal locator beacon this morning, before breakfast.

Police have been told a party of three people were ascending Mt Hicks early this morning when they were caught in an avalanche.

The deceased are two men, and both were mountain guides.

Their bodies have been removed from the scene.

A third person, a woman, managed to free herself and is safe.

Police have started the process of informing next of kin.

The deaths will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

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