Peruvian police announced on Tuesday that they have discovered the body of an American mountaineer who was buried by an avalanche 22 years ago while attempting to climb one of the highest peaks in the Andes. The body of 58-year-old William Stampfl was found near a camp at an altitude of 5200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level on Mount Huascaran, which stands at 6,768 meters.
Stampfl's body and clothing were remarkably preserved by the ice and freezing temperatures, making identification relatively easy. His possession of a driving license further aided in confirming his identity. Stampfl had been accompanied by friends Matthew Richardson and Steve Erskine during their ill-fated climb in 2002. Erskine's body was located shortly after the avalanche, while Richardson's remains are still unaccounted for.
Mount Huascaran attracts hundreds of climbers annually, who typically undertake a week-long journey with the assistance of local guides to reach the summit. Following the discovery of Stampfl's body, guides and police officers collaborated to transport it down the mountain over the weekend. The body is currently housed in a morgue in the city of Huaraz.
