Radiologist allegedly lied to gain helicopter rescue off continent’s tallest mountain

A Utah radiologist is facing misdemeanor charges for allegedly lying about climbing partners falling ill in an effort to get a helicopter rescue off of the tallest mountain in North America.

Jason Lance, MD, is charged with three counts connected to a May summit attempt on Denali, formerly Mount McKinley, in Alaska. The Associated Press reports that Lance left his climbing partner with another group after noticing signs of altitude sickness, continuing his ascent alone.

Lance later quit his own climb and rejoined the three others on their descent when one member—named A.R. in court documents—fell 1,000 feet. Denali National Park and Preserve air-lifted the man out and later received a message from Lance via satellite phone asking for a helicopter evacuation.

Park officials told Lance they were done flying that night and his only option was to descend. But 21 minutes later the radiologist phoned back saying “can’t descend safely. Patients in shock. Early hypothermia. Can’t you land east of pass?”

At this point, the helicopter took flight but turned back after learning the climbers were coming down themselves.

During follow-up interviews, none of the climbing team said they experienced hypothermia or other ill effects and had pleaded with Lance to descend with them. According to court documents, Lance said the National Park Services was required to help them because “we’ve paid our fee.”

Additionally, officials say the radiologist refused to hand over his communication device and deleted crucial messages sent to park rangers. Those exchanges, and others, were later obtained via a search warrant.

Lance declined to comment, according to the AP, and is scheduled for virtual arraignment on Dec. 6. He faces counts of interfering with and violating government employee orders and filing a false report.

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