Mummified body of American climber found 22 years after avalanche in Peru

The remains of an American climber missing for 22 years have been found on a mountain in Peru where he was buried by an avalanche.

Police in Peru say they have found an American mountain climber Willem Stampfl‘s mummified body Friday near a camp on Mount Huascaran, one of the highest peaks in the Andes.

William attempted to climb Mount Huascaran in 2002 when an avalanche buried him under snow and ice. Police say his still-frozen body was found about 5,200 meters above the 6,768-metre mountain.

It’s unclear exactly how people came across William, but police say his body and clothing were preserved by the ice, snow and frigid climate… and he had his California driver’s license on him.

Graphics show William’s body twisted and lying on the ice surface…he is still wearing his climbing gear, including some climbing shoes.

Mount Huascaran is a popular climb…hundreds of people travel there every year with local guides and it usually takes about a week to reach the top.

William was climbing the mountain with two friends, Steve Erskine And Mathew Richardsonin 2002 when they were buried by an avalanche.