61-year-old man from upstate New York dies while climbing Mount McKinley in Alaska

NY man, 61, dies climbing Alaska’s Mount McKinley

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The National Park Service says a 61-year old climber from upstate New York has died while climbing Mount McKinley in Alaska.

The park service says William Hearne of Fairport, N.Y., died Thursday while ascending the West Buttress route of the 20,320-foot mountain.

Officials with Denali National Park and Preserve say Hearne was part of a six-member expedition that began the climb on May 1.

The park service says he collapsed after his team reached 13,500 feet and was pronounced dead soon after.

Officials say his body will be retrieved later by helicopter.

Mount McKinley is the highest peak in North America.