04-06-2025
Father and daughter found dead on Maine mountain after vanishing during hike
A father and daughter were found dead on Mount Katahdin in Maine, days after they were reported missing.
The body of Tim Keiderling, 58, was discovered Tuesday on the Tablelands area of the mountain, Baxter State Park said in a press release.
His daughter, Esther Keiderling, 28, was found dead Wednesday afternoon in a wooded area between two trails off the Tablelands following an extensive search.
Crews, including game wardens, rangers, and K-9 teams, had searched Mount Katahdin both on the ground and from the air for Esther Keiderling, Baxter State Park said in an earlier news release. Maine Forest Service Helicopters and Maine Army Guard Helicopters assisted.
The pair, from Ulster Park, New York, left the Abol Campground on Sunday to hike the summit, the park said.
They were last seen around 10:15 a.m. heading in the direction of the summit. Park rangers began searching for them Monday after finding their vehicle in a day-use parking lot.
Tim Keiderling was a member of the Bruderhof Communities, a Christian community in which people share all their possessions, including money.
His brother-in-law, Heinrich Arnold, released a statement on the community's Facebook page.
"It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of my brother-in-law and fellow Bruderhof member Tim Keiderling," he said. "Although our brother Tim was taken from us all too soon, we know Tim loved Jesus and is now in eternity with Him. We continue to pray for Esther and hope she is found soon."
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