Kieran Liner, 20, of Austin, died Oct. 27 while climbing the Matterhorn, a peak of 14,962 feet in the Pennine Alps on the Swiss-Italian border. His sister, Precenia Newman, said he had been climbing outdoors since moving to Austin and had climbed several mountains before attempting the Matterhorn.
Newman said Liner's friend, Eli, was with him on the climb. Newman said Eli told the family that a rockfall happened. Eli said he lost sight of Liner after he was a little above him, called out and got no response. Swiss Valais Cantonal Police said the accident happened about 3,500 meters up the mountain. Police are still working to positively identify the body.
The family learned of the death in a phone call from the U.S. consulate in Switzerland. They are working with authorities to bring Liner home. A GoFundMe page has been created to help cover funeral costs and the cost of returning him to the U.S.