Liepiņš steps down as head of Denali accident inquiry

Mountaineer Kristaps Liepiņš has withdrawn from the commission investigating the Denali accident, which he had been appointed to lead, the Latvian Mountaineering Union (LAS) said, LSM reported.

The commission will continue with its approved six members to assess the circumstances of the accident, examine safety issues and develop recommendations to help prevent future risks in mountaineering.

LAS said the commission was formed to ensure neutrality and objectivity. It does not include members of the expedition involved in the accident or relatives and direct representatives of those affected. All members have signed declarations stating they have no conflict of interest and agreeing to keep work materials and personal data confidential.

The members continuing on the commission are LAS president Normunds Reinbergs, Pēteris Kūlis, Kaspars Klapkalns, Gita Logina, Rolands Laveiķis and Līga Plakane. They will refrain from making individual public comments or assessments while the inquiry is under way. The commission will publish a summary report and safety recommendations when its work is complete.

Three Latvian climbers, Inese Pučeka, Vija Olte and Renārs Kunigs-Salaks, died in an accident on the Denali massif in Alaska in late May 2026.