Second Missing Hiker Confirmed Dead in Maine After Extensive Search Effort
Tragedy strikes as Tim and Esther Keiderling are found dead after attempting to summit Maine's Mount Katahdin over the weekend.
The search for two missing hikers in Maine’s Baxter State Park ended in tragedy this week, after officials confirmed that both Tim Keiderling, 58, and his daughter Esther Keiderling, 28, were found deceased near Mount Katahdin. The pair, hailing from Ulster Park, New York, had set out from the Abol Campground early Sunday morning, aiming for the summit of Maine’s iconic mile-high peak. They were last seen alive at approximately 10:15 a.m. that day.
Concern mounted quickly when the Keiderlings failed to check in with their family on Sunday night. On Monday morning, park authorities found their vehicle still parked in a nearby day-lot—all but confirming the pair had not returned from their journey. An immediate and comprehensive search effort was launched, enlisting over 50 expert personnel, including Maine Game Wardens, canine teams, Baxter State Park Rangers, specialized rescue organizations, and both state and military helicopters. Despite the rapid response, the severe mountain weather—described by officials as featuring freezing rain, thick fog, and even snow—complicated efforts and raised concerns about the hikers’ wellbeing.
The first breakthrough came on Tuesday, when search teams discovered Tim Keiderling’s body in the Tablelands area of Mount Katahdin—a remote, high-elevation region known for its rugged terrain. On Wednesday afternoon, the recovery of Esther Keiderling’s body was confirmed in a wooded portion nearby. In an emotional statement, park authorities said, “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.” They extended their condolences to the Keiderling family and praised the dedication of the search teams, urging the public to respect the family’s privacy during this tragic period.
Friends and relatives mourned the loss, remembering Tim Keiderling as a man who lived life with passion and humor. His brother, Joe Keiderling, shared, “No one has had a brother like mine. Tim lived exuberantly. He loved life, loved people, loved God. He was a storyteller like no one I've known with a rich sense of humor.”
Baxter State Park Director Kevin Adam highlighted the dangerous conditions present on Katahdin over the weekend, saying that freezing rain, fog, and some snow posed significant hazards for even experienced hikers. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes perilous nature of mountain environments, particularly as weather shifts rapidly in higher elevations.
The park remains open, but some trails were temporarily closed due to the intensive search operations. Authorities renewed calls for all hikers to carefully monitor weather forecasts and ensure they are properly prepared before venturing into mountainous terrain, especially during shoulder seasons when conditions can change abruptly. As the community grieves, the commitment and cooperation shown by searchers and emergency personnel has been widely praised as a testament to their dedication and the solidarity found in moments of loss.
