NEW ZEALAND – On Monday, 2 mountain climbers fell to their deaths as they attempted to summit New Zealand’s highest peak, Aoraki Mount Cook, according to Canterbury Police.

2 others were rescued.

The two climbers, who fell from a ridge near the summit, “were located deceased at around 7 am (1800GMT Monday) this morning,” police said.

Authorities were notified Monday night that four climbers needed assistance on the west side of the mountain.

A dispatched helicopter located the two surviving members of the group, who were “airlifted from the mountain at around 2.15 am (1315GMT Monday).”

“The two climbers who were airlifted last night were uninjured, and support is being provided,” police added.

Inspector Vicki Walker said the bodies of the deceased have been recovered, according to 1News.

“At this stage, we are working through the coronial jurisdiction to identify and get the family’s loved ones home,” Walker added.

Aoraki is New Zealand’s highest peak at 3.7 kilometers (2.2 miles) and is found in the Southern Alps.