Kieran Liner, a 20-year-old from Austin, died Oct. 27 while climbing the Matterhorn, a 14,962-foot peak in the Pennine Alps on the Swiss-Italian border, according to his sister, Precenia Newman. The family learned of his death in a call from the U.S. consulate in Switzerland. Liner was scheduled to return home on the day the family spoke with CBS Austin.
Newman said Liner's friend, Eli, reported that a rockfall happened. Eli was a little above Liner and lost sight of him, and when he called out, Liner did not respond. Swiss Valais Cantonal Police said the accident happened about 3,500 meters up the mountain. Police are still working to positively identify the body.
Newman said her brother started skateboarding as a child in Pensacola, Florida, and later began indoor bouldering in Austin before moving to outdoor climbing. She said he had climbed several mountains before the Matterhorn. The family is working with authorities to bring Liner back to the United States.