3 days ago
Daughter still missing, father found dead at Maine's Mount Katahdin
Daughter still missing, father found dead at Maine's Mount Katahdin
A 58-year-old man has been found dead and the search continues for his daughter after the pair went missing following a morning hike to Maine's Mount Katahdin over the weekend.
Tim Keiderling's body was found near the summit at about 2:45 p.m. local time, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife announced in a news release June 3. The search for Esther Keiderling, 28, remains ongoing, officials said.
The pair, from Ulster Park, New York, was last seen leaving their campground and on their way to the mountain's summit just after 10 a.m. on June 1, officials said.
Mount Katahdin is known as the highest mountain in Maine and is located within Baxter State Park. The search and rescue mission for the Keiderlings began the next day after their vehicle was spotted in the day-use parking lot.
Previously: Father, daughter missing after hiking in Maine state park
Officials ask the public for assistance
Multiple agencies, including park rangers, K9 crews, dozens of game wardens, and the Maine Forest Service, are involved in the ground and air recovery efforts. Multiple trails were closed down for the search.
The Maine National Guard used a Blackhawk and a Lakota Helicopter with thermal imaging technology, according to the park. A Marine Warden Service K9 search team found Tim's body.
"We know that many of our social media followers share in our deep sadness for the family and friends of Tim Keiderling, and appreciate your support as a teams continues the search for Esther," Baxter State Park said in a Facebook post.
'He loved life'
In a statement to local media outlet WMTW, Tim's brother Joe Keiderling thanked officials for their work. He reflected on Tim's personality, saying that he 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," Joe told the outlet. "He left us far too soon. My heart is broken for his wife and children."
According to the outlet, Esther wrote about her plans to hike Mount Katahdin with her father in a Substack entry. Her blog, "Keep the Banner Flying," is currently private.
"I'm a little nervous after everything I've read about the Abol trail, but I'm going to do it if weather permits!" she reportedly wrote. "If you don't see me back on Substack notes again, that's where I am."
Park officials are urging anyone who was on or near Baxter State Park's summit of Katahdin between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on June 1 to contact authorities.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the two can call Houlton State Police at (207) 532-5400.
Contributing: Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@
