Hiker Found Dead, Daughter Still Missing After Attempt to Summit Mount Katahdin in Maine

Victor Nwoko
1 day ago
2 min read

Hiker found dead, daughter remains missing on Maine mountain: Officials

A New York man has been found dead and his daughter remains missing after the pair set out to hike the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine, authorities confirmed Tuesday.

Tim Keiderling, 58, and his daughter, 28-year-old Esther Keiderling, both from Ulster Park, New York, were last seen on Sunday morning traversing the Katahdin Tablelands en route to the summit, which marks the northern end of the Appalachian Trail within Baxter State Park.

A large wooden sign on the summit of Katahdin in Baxter State Park, Maine, marking the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail

Concerns were raised Monday morning when park rangers discovered the Keiderlings’ vehicle still parked in the day-use lot near the trailhead. Search efforts commenced shortly afterward, expanding significantly by Tuesday with more than 30 Maine game wardens joining the operation, including specialized teams from the Maine Warden Service Search and Rescue unit, K9 handlers, the Maine Forest Service, and aerial support from the Maine Army National Guard.

Tim Keiderling’s body was discovered Tuesday afternoon at approximately 2:24 p.m. near the summit on the Tablelands by a K9 search team from the Maine Warden Service. No cause of death has yet been released.

A view from the Table Lands on Mount Katahdin's Hunt Trail

The search for Esther Keiderling remains active as rescue teams continue to scour the challenging terrain. Officials have not provided any further updates on her condition.

Baxter State Park emphasized the extreme difficulty of climbing Mount Katahdin, regardless of the chosen trail. According to the park’s website, the average round-trip climb takes eight to twelve hours and is classified as strenuous.

In response to the ongoing search, all trailheads to Katahdin have been closed until further notice.

The park issued a statement expressing deep condolences: “We know that many of our followers share in our deep sadness for the family and friends of Tim Keiderling, and appreciate your support as the search for his daughter continues.”