Vladimir Levchenko, 69, died after falling on an icy slope while descending Taranaki Maunga in September 2025, according to a coronial report by Rachael Schmidt-McCleave. Levchenko, who was separated from his climbing group, sustained fatal blunt force trauma injuries. The coroner concluded the death was preventable, citing a lack of alpine experience and climber complacency.
How the accident occurred
Levchenko was part of a group attempting to climb from Kapuni Lodge to Syme Hut and then to the summit. During the descent, his companion, Timofey Gorr, lost sight of him. Search and Rescue teams eventually located Levchenko’s body in a gully near Skeet Ridge, approximately 600 meters below his last known position, following a trail of blood. Coroner Schmidt-McCleave stated the fall appeared to occur on an icy slope, noting that Levchenko also exhibited early-stage frostbite on his head.
Why the coroner labeled the death preventable
In her report, Schmidt-McCleave identified several critical failures in preparation and technique. While Levchenko was a confident hiker, he lacked formal training in ice and snow conditions. The coroner noted he possessed only minimal instruction in the use of an ice axe and the technique of self-arrest. Furthermore, Levchenko was using crampons incompatible with his flexible boots, and the group did not carry ropes or anchors to mitigate fall risks. Schmidt-McCleave criticized the approach of his companion, Gorr, a qualified Russian Alpine Master, stating he had been “complacent” in viewing the mountain as a “simple climb” despite the presence of a novice partner.
The risks of Taranaki Maunga
The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (MSC) emphasizes that Taranaki Maunga is an “infamously treacherous” environment. Mike Daisley, chief executive of the MSC, noted that sections near the summit are “no fall” zones. Even for climbers trained in self-arrest, the hard, impenetrable ice can make stopping a slide nearly impossible. The coroner reinforced this by advising that novice climbers should restrict their attempts to the summer months and complete formal alpine skills training before attempting the ascent.
