A search is underway for Squamish athlete Kalie McCrystal, who went missing while preparing for a mountain-running record attempt on the Matterhorn in Italy.
Athletics Canada issued a public appeal about the missing national team trail runner. McCrystal was last seen on September 1 while completing a reconnaissance and training session ahead of the planned record attempt.
McCrystal is an accomplished skyrunner and mountaineer who has spent years travelling through technical alpine terrain at high elevations. Athletics Canada said she knows the mountain environment well and had previously climbed the Matterhorn.
Her family is in direct contact with mountain rescue authorities overseeing the search in Italy, the organization said. Search efforts remain ongoing, according to the Athletics Canada statement.
McCrystal represents Canada in trail running and is well known within the international skyrunning community. Skyrunning combines mountain running with steep, highly technical terrain, often at elevations above 2,000 metres.
“Kalie is a highly respected athlete and a valued member of the worldwide skyrunning community,” Athletics Canada said.
The national organization expressed its support for McCrystal’s family and friends and thanked the rescue personnel involved in trying to locate her. “We are hoping for her safe return and are grateful to those involved in the ongoing search,” it said.
