Esther and Tim Keiderling: Bodies Found on Katahdin in Tragic Incident

Esther and Tim Keiderling: Bodies Found on Katahdin in Tragic Incident

Baxter State Park, ME — In a heartbreaking development, the bodies of missing hikers Esther Keiderling, 28, and her father, Tim Keiderling, 58, both of Ulster Park, New York, were discovered on Mount Katahdin one day apart.

On Tuesday at approximately 2:45 p.m., a Maine Warden Service K-9 team located Tim Keiderling’s body on the Tableland near the summit of Katahdin. The following day, around 1 p.m. Wednesday, searchers found Esther Keiderling’s body in a wooded area off the Tablelands, between two known trails.

The Keiderlings had set out from Abol Campground on Sunday morning, planning to hike to the summit of Katahdin. They were last seen at about 10:15 a.m. that day, heading toward the summit. When their vehicle remained in the day-use parking lot on Monday morning, Baxter State Park rangers initiated a search operation.

Search efforts on Wednesday were extensive and coordinated, involving both ground crews and aerial support. Helicopters began sweeping the area early in the morning while teams of 25 game wardens, four K-9 teams, and 21 Baxter State Park rangers searched trails, streams, and the eastern Tablelands of the mountain.

Assistance came from Maine Forest Service helicopters and the Maine Army National Guard, which also deployed a Lokota helicopter equipped with thermal imaging devices for nighttime searches. Despite these efforts, Esther’s location was only discovered the next day.

The Baxter State Park community and rescue personnel mourn the tragic loss of Tim and Esther Keiderling and extend their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends affected by this devastating event.