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Tragedy on Katahdin: Hiker Found Dead, Daughter Still Missing
A search and rescue operation on Maine’s Mount Katahdin has ended in tragedy with the discovery of a deceased hiker and the ongoing search for his missing daughter.
Fifty-eight-year-old Tim Keiderling, from Ulster Park, New York, was found dead on the mountain’s Tableland near the summit Tuesday afternoon. His daughter, 28-year-old Esther Keiderling, remains missing.
The pair were last seen Sunday morning departing the Abol Campground to hike to Katahdin’s summit. When their vehicle was found still parked at the trailhead Monday morning, park rangers initiated a search.
A massive search effort involving over 30 Maine Game Wardens, K-9 and Search and Rescue teams, along with assistance from the Maine Forest Service, Maine Army National Guard, and helicopters, continues for Esther. The Hunt and Abol Trails are currently closed due to the ongoing operation.
In a statement to WMTW-TV, Tim Keiderling’s brother, Joe, expressed his heartbreak for the family and described Tim as a vibrant storyteller with a love for life, people, and God. The family is praying for the safe return of Esther and for the first responders working tirelessly in the challenging terrain.
Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak at approximately 5,270 feet, is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and known for its strenuous hiking conditions, with typical climbs taking 8 to 12 hours.