Mount Katahdin in Maine: Officials report hiker's demise, daughter's continued disappearance on the peak
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Tim Keiderling, 58, a hiker from Ulster Park, New York, was found dead while his daughter Esther, 28, remains missing after they set out to hike Mount Katahdin on Sunday.
The unfortunate incident occurred in Baxter State Park, Maine, which is home to the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Tim and Esther were last seen at the Katahdin Tablelands heading towards the summit.
The search for the father-daughter duo began on Monday, when their vehicle was found still parked at the trailhead in the day-use parking lot. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Maine Warden Service Search and Rescue team, Maine Warden Service K9 team, Maine Forest Service, and Maine Army National Guard joined forces for an intensive search operation that included both ground and air support [1][2].
On Tuesday afternoon, Tim's body was discovered on the Tablelands near the summit of Katahdin by a Maine Warden Service K9 search team [1]. The search for Esther continued, with the Maine Game Wardens and the Maine Association of Search and Rescue (MASAR) working tirelessly to locate her.
On Wednesday, Esther's body was found in a boulder area between the Cathedral and Saddle trails off the Tablelands, about 1,000 feet from where Tim was found [1][4]. The cause of death for both hikers is currently under investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner [4].
Baxter State Park urges hikers to be well-prepared for the strenuous climb up Katahdin, with an average round-trip time of eight to 12 hours [4]. As a reminder, all Katahdin trailhead trails are currently closed until further notice following this tragic incident.
Our hearts go out to the Keiderling family and friends during this difficult time. For those who wish to show their support, they can visit the Baxter State Park's official Facebook page [3].
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[1] [Link to article 1][2] [Link to article 2][3] [Link to Baxter State Park's Facebook page][4] [Link to enrichment data]
In the midst of their unfortunate predicament, Tim Keiderling and his daughter Esther were known for their shared passion for travel and sports. Despite Tim being found deceased on the Tablelands near the summit of Katahdin, the search for Esther continues.
