In the summer season of the southern hemisphere, Aconcagua (6.965m) – the second highest of the Seven Summits – attracts a big crowd of climbers. Last season was one of the busiest in the past few years, and also one of the most tragedy-struck.

Alpinismonline.com report today that the peak has claimed its first victim this season, a climber reportedly found dead on Monday close to the summit. The mountaineer’s identity has not yet been officially confirmed.

An group of climbers found the body about 50 meters from the top on the normal route and alerted authorities. The recovery was delayed by strong winds. On Tuesday, the rescue patrol found another climber in an exhausted state and had to divert their efforts to him.

Alpinismonline report that 9 climbers have been rescued already this season. Last season six climbers perished on Aconcagua, double the usual annual fatality rate.