Valdez, AK – Valdez Fire and Police Departments responded Tuesday evening to reports of an ice climber with injuries at Valdez Glacier.

At approximately 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17th, Valdez Dispatch received a report of an adult female with injuries located six miles from the face of Valdez Glacier.

The Valdez Fire Department backcountry search and rescue team deployed two ground search teams and one airborne search team, assisted by Vertical Solutions Helicopters.

The airborne search team arrived first on scene and discovered 23-year old Kalley Ann Rittman, deceased with injuries consistent with a fall while ice climbing. The airborne search team transported Rittman by helicopter to Providence Valdez Medical Center.

Exact cause of death remains under investigation. Arrangements were made to transfer Rittman to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage.

Next of kin have been notified.

All police and fire units were back in service by 7:10 p.m.