The preserved body of an American mountaineer who disappeared 22 years ago, while climbing a snow-capped peak in Peru, was found after being exposed to the effects of climate change-induced ice melting, local police said, NOVA reported.
William Stampfl was reported missing in June 2002 at the age of 59 when an avalanche buried his climbing group on Mount Huascaran, which is over 6,700m high. Search and rescue efforts were unsuccessful.
Peruvian police said his remains were finally found in melting ice in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range in the Andes. According to the photos released by the police, Stampfl's body, as well as his clothes, harness and shoes, were well preserved from the cold. His passport was found among his belongings, allowing the police to identify the body.
The mountains of northeastern Peru, home to snow-capped peaks such as Huascarán and Kashan, are beloved by mountaineers from around the world. In May, the body of an Israeli tourist was found there nearly a month after his disappearance. Last month, an experienced Italian mountaineer was found dead after falling while trying to climb another peak in the Andes.