KUALA LUMPUR: The remains of a Malaysian climber who died after being stranded at the height of 19,700ft on Mount Denali in Alaska will be repatriated as soon as a post-mortem examination is completed.
The Foreign Ministry in a statement said the body of 37-year-old Zulkifli Yusof was successfully brought down with the assistance of local authorities and is currently at a local medical facility awaiting post-mortem examination.
"The next of kin have decided that the body will be repatriated to Malaysia. The Malaysian consulate-general (in Los Angeles, California) will continue to provide consular assistance to ensure a smooth repatriation process."
Earlier today, an Alpine Club Malaysia Facebook posting had said Zulkifli's body was brought down at 8.30am local time yesterday (12.30am Malaysia today) and was taken to a hospital in Anchorage.
The club said it was informed of this by the Malaysian consulate-general in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, two other Malaysian climbers — Muhammad Illaham Ishak and Zainudin Lot, both aged 47 — were still being treated in hospital for frostbite.
Previously, it was reported that the three climbers had been stranded on Mount Denali, the tallest peak in North America, since Tuesday.
Illaham was rescued on that day itself, while Zainudin was brought down on Friday.
However, Zulkifli was reported to have died on Wednesday.