(CNN) Three professional mountain climbers are missing and are presumed dead after an avalanche at Canada's Banff National Park, according to park officials and the outdoor-gear brand sponsoring them.

David Lama, Jess Roskelley , and Hansjörg Auer were "caught in an avalanche earlier this week while attempting to climb the east face of Howse Peak in Alberta," a North Face spokesman said.

The three men, one American and two Europeans, are members of the company's Global Athlete Team

"They are missing, and local search and rescue has assumed the worst," the spokesman said.

Hansjörg Auer is a skilled free solo climber from Austria.

"We are doing everything we can to support their families, friends and the climbing community during this difficult time. We ask that you keep our athletes and their loved ones in your hearts and thoughts."

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