Photo: Nicholas Nace / iStock Editorial / Getty Images
Funeral services were held on Sunday (June 8) at Woodcrest Community in Rifton to honor Timothy Kiederling, 58, and his daughter Esther Kiederling, 28, who tragically passed away during a hiking trip in Maine. The father and daughter, both from Ulster Park, were last seen on June 1 as they embarked on a hike to the summit of Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park.
Their disappearance prompted an extensive search involving more than 50 park personnel, dogs, and helicopters equipped with thermal imaging devices. According to Times Union, Esther's body was found on June 4 in a wooded area between two trails, a day after her father's body was discovered near the summit.
The search efforts involved the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Warden Service, and the Baxter State Park rangers. WMTW reported that the Keiderlings' vehicle was found in the day-use parking lot, leading to the search operation. The cause of their deaths remains unknown, and authorities have not released further details.
Timothy's brother, Joe Kiederling, expressed his grief, saying, "He left us far too soon. My heart is broken for his wife and children." Esther had documented her plans to hike Mount Katahdin on her Substack blog, expressing excitement and nervousness about the trip.
As the community mourns their loss, the search teams and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Anyone who needs to talk can call 800-273-8255 no matter the time of day.