Guide and lawyer die after fall on Aoraki Mt Cook

Friday 28 November 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Fri 28 Nov 2025, 8:00pm

Wānaka-based guide Thomas Vialletet and American lawyer Kellam Conover died after falling near the summit of Aoraki Mt Cook on Monday. The pair were roped together while completing a traverse of the mountain.

How they headlined it

6h

1:47pm8pm

1. RNZFri 28 Nov 2025, 1:47pm

   Wānaka guide Thomas Vialletet, who died on Mt Cook, 'left a mark on everyone' (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldFri 28 Nov 2025, 8:00pm

   Aoraki Mt Cook tragedy: Mother shares life of ‘extraordinary’ son and lawyer (opens in new tab)