Relatives of Latvian mountaineer Martins Bilzens are seeking urgent help following a tragic accident on Denali on May 27, 2026. Martins is the sole survivor of a fall at 18,200 feet that claimed the lives of three fellow Latvian climbers. After enduring more than 10 hours awaiting safe rescue conditions, Martins is currently being treated at a hospital in Anchorage, Alaska. Martins’ condition is critical but stable. He faces a long, difficult road of treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery ahead.
We are raising funds to help cover both immediate family logistics and overwhelming medical expenses:
- Immediate Family Support: Family members have flown across the world from Latvia to be by his bedside in Anchorage, which has proven vital to his recovery. These funds will cover their immediate travel, lodging, and daily living costs in Alaska.
- Escalating Medical Bills: Medical expenses are climbing rapidly. Martins’ insurance coverage will be depleted in the coming days, and he is expected to spend several months in hospital care and rehabilitation.
- Repatriation & Long-Term Care: Significant funds are required for specialized medical transportation back home to Latvia, as well as ongoing treatment, long-term rehabilitation, medicine, and medical supplies once he returns.
We invite everyone to support Martins and his family in this unimaginably difficult stage of life. This family-sanctioned GoFundMe site serves as the US/international sister campaign to local Latvian efforts on Ziedot.lv.
We each strive to reach our peaks in life. Martins and his companions were heading towards the summit of Denali, but this tragic accident changed everything. Today, he has another peak ahead of him: recovering, regaining strength, and returning home to his loved ones. This road will be long and difficult, but together, we can help Martins overcome it.
Thank you to everyone for your incredible support, sympathy, and good wishes. We will regularly share updates on this page regarding Martins’ health condition, treatment, and recovery.
Organizer
