Father and daughter die in freezing conditions on Mount Katahdin after a Sunday hike turned deadly amid unexpected severe weather, leaving their family and the hiking community in mourning.
Key Takeaways
- Tim Keiderling, 58, and his daughter Esther, 28, were found dead on Maine’s Mount Katahdin after going missing during a Sunday morning hike from Abol Campground.
- Freezing rain, fog, and snow created treacherous conditions that likely contributed to the tragedy despite an extensive search operation involving dozens of personnel from multiple agencies.
- Tim’s body was discovered Tuesday in the Tablelands area by a K9 unit, while Esther’s body was found Wednesday afternoon in a wooded area between two trails.
- The search operation involved 25 Game Wardens, four K9 teams, 21 Baxter State Park Rangers, and aerial support from both the Maine Forest Service and Maine Army Guard helicopters.
- Family members remember Tim as someone who “lived exuberantly” and was “a storyteller like no one I’ve known with a rich sense of humor.”
Tragic Discovery on Maine’s Highest Peak
The bodies of Tim Keiderling, 58, and his daughter Esther, 28, have been recovered from Mount Katahdin in Maine after a massive search operation. The father-daughter hiking duo from Ulster Park, New York, were last seen alive around 10:15 a.m. on Sunday as they departed Abol Campground for what was supposed to be a day hike to the summit of Maine’s tallest mountain. Alarm bells rang when family members couldn’t reach them Sunday evening, prompting a search that would ultimately reveal the devastating outcome. Their vehicle was discovered Monday in a day-lot at the trailhead, confirming they had not returned from their hike.
Tim’s body was found Tuesday morning in the Tablelands area by Maine Game Warden Chad Robertson and his K9, Strom. The search for Esther continued until Wednesday afternoon when her body was discovered at approximately 1:00 PM in a wooded area between two known trails. The recovery efforts were hampered by exceptionally harsh weather conditions that had descended upon the mountain, including freezing rain, dense fog, and snow – the same conditions that likely contributed to the hikers’ deaths.
Extensive Search Operation Mobilized
The search for the missing hikers was nothing short of extraordinary, mobilizing significant resources from multiple agencies. A team of 25 Game Wardens, four specialized K9 teams, and 21 Baxter State Park Rangers combed the rugged terrain on foot. Aerial support was provided by both Maine Forest Service and Maine Army Guard helicopters, with the National Guard deploying a Lakota helicopter equipped with thermal imaging technology for night searches. These dedicated professionals braved severe weather conditions in their tireless efforts to locate the missing hikers.
“We understand that many of our social media followers share in our profound sadness for the family and friends of Tim and Esther Keiderling. We appreciate your support for their loved ones and the members of the search teams during this incredibly difficult time,” Baxter State Park officials said.
The Tableland area and nearby trails were temporarily closed during recovery operations to ensure the safety of all involved and to preserve the integrity of the search. As of now, no permanent closures or safety policy changes have been announced by park officials, though this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and potentially dangerous nature of mountain hiking, especially when weather conditions deteriorate rapidly.
Family and Community Mourning
The loss of Tim and Esther Keiderling has left a profound impact on their family, friends, and the wider community. In a heart-wrenching statement following the confirmation of the deaths, Tim’s brother Joe shared touching memories of his sibling. The tribute speaks volumes about the character of the man who lost his life pursuing adventure with his daughter on that fateful Sunday morning.
“No one has had a brother like mine. Tim lived exuberantly. He loved life, loved people, and loved God. He was a storyteller like no one I’ve known with a rich sense of humor,” said Joe Keiderling.
Baxter State Park officials expressed their condolences to the Keiderling family while acknowledging the difficulty of climbing Mount Katahdin, particularly in adverse conditions. “With heavy hearts, we must share the sorrowful news that, on June 4 at around 1:00 p.m., search teams discovered the body of Esther Keiderling in a wooded area of Katahdin’s Tableland,” park officials stated when announcing the conclusion of the search. This tragic outcome serves as a somber reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparation, caution, and respect when venturing into wilderness areas.
