American Climber Dies After Fall in Alaska
One of the two climbers who was involved in the accident survived and was rescued
Late last week, American climber Robbi Mecus died in an accident while climbing in Denali National Park. Mecus and Melissa Orzechowski were climbing the Escaltor route on Mount Johnson in the Ruth Gorge when they fell around 1,000 feet. Orzechowski survived the fall and was rescued and airlifted to hospital in critical condition. Read a press release from the National Park Service about the rescue here.
Since 1999, Mecus had worked as an Adirondack forest ranger where she had taken part in hundreds of rescues as a search and rescue technician. “I join the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) family in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Forest Ranger Robbi Mecus,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar wrote in a statement. “Over her 25-year career with DEC, Ranger Mecus demonstrated an unparalleled passion for protecting the environment and New Yorkers.”
Former DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos, wrote on social media, “Robbi was such an incredible person. A pillar of strength. Always there for the most difficult NYSDEC rescues and crises, and a tremendous leader for LGBTQIA+ rights. I feel fortunate to have known her.”
Mecus was a role model in her community and she helped host several events, including the Adirondack Queer Ice Fest with Orzechowski. There is currently a fundraiser to support Mecus’s surviving family here, and a fundraiser to support Orzechowski’s recovery here.
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