A rescue helicopter flew around the area where the person had been.
"The rescue helicopter observed a body believed to be the person missing, however, due to the location was unable to access it," said Simmonds.
"It appears the person has fallen a considerable distance."
The person who activated the beacon was reportedly uninjured and flown back to town.
Rescuers recovered the body on December 2 and returned Catt to Christchurch.
Alpine Club member Clayton Garbes wrote on the website that his friendship with Catt and his wife Carolyn goes back 22 years and said his friend's death has brought "the deepest sadness".
"Charlie was without a doubt, a very special person.
"Charlie was a long-standing member of the New Zealand Alpine Club and a much respected and admired volunteer winter instructor for the Canterbury / Westland section for over 10 years.
Garbes states that Catt volunteered for the Travis Wetland Trust, Red Cross, work parties on the NZAC lodge in Arthurs Pass, crag and track repairs on the Port Hills and, more recently, with the LandSar team in Christchurch.
He said a service will be held for Catt on December 14 at 2pm at Westpark Chapel, 467 Wairakei Rd, Christchurch.