Latvian climber faces mounting medical bills after Denali fall

The family of a Latvian climber critically injured in a fatal May 28 fall on Denali has launched a public fundraising campaign as his insurance coverage nears its limit and treatment costs mount.

Mārtiņš Bilzēns is the only survivor among four Latvian climbers involved in the fall near Denali Pass at roughly 18,200 feet. Three teammates died: Inese Pučeka, Vija Olte, and Renārs Kunigs-Salaks.

The climbers were part of a seven-member Latvian team ascending the mountain.

Bilzēns remains hospitalized in Anchorage in stable but very serious condition. His family reports treatment in the United States could last for months. Insurance limits are nearly exhausted. The family has partnered with Latvian charity organization Ziedot.lv to seek public donations for ongoing treatment and rehabilitation costs.

The fall occurred on the West Buttress route, a standard climbing path to Denali's 20,310-foot summit. Weather, terrain, and safety conditions delayed recovery operations for several days.