
A tragic incident has unfolded in Maine as authorities reported the discovery of a 58-year-old hiker, Tim Keiderling, found deceased near the summit of Mount Katahdin on Tuesday. The search continues for his 28-year-old daughter, Esther, who remains missing.
Tim and Esther, both residents of Ulster Park, New York, were last seen departing the Abol Campground around 10:15 a.m. on Sunday for a hike towards the Katahdin summit, a well-known starting point of the Appalachian Trail.
Following the discovery of Tim’s body around 2:45 p.m. near the mountain’s Tableland, search operations intensified for his daughter. Park rangers initiated their efforts on Monday after finding the pair’s vehicle at the trailhead.
Tim’s brother, Joe Keiderling, expressed his heartbreak, stating, “My heart is broken for [Tim’s] wife and children,” and praised Tim’s larger-than-life character. He conveyed heartfelt prayers for the first responders involved in the ongoing search for Esther.
Currently, over 30 Game Wardens, along with K-9 units and the Maine National Guard, are engaged in search efforts. The Hunt and Abol Trails have been temporarily closed to assist with the search. Mount Katahdin, the tallest peak in Maine at approximately 5,267 feet, is known for its challenging terrain, typically requiring 8 to 12 hours for a round trip, according to Baxter State Park officials.
Source: www.foxnews.com