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New information has been released regarding the tragic deaths of Esther Keiderling, 28, and her father, Tim Keiderling, 58, from Ulster Park, while hiking in Baxter State Park, Maine. According to the state medical examiner's office, Esther died from blunt force trauma, while her father's cause of death is still pending further studies.
The Keiderlings were reported missing after they failed to return from a hike on Mount Katahdin, Maine's tallest mountain, on June 1. They had departed from the Abol Campground early that morning, intending to reach the summit. When their car remained in the day-use parking lot the following day, authorities initiated a search.
On June 3, search teams discovered Tim Keiderling's body near the summit on the Tableland, and Esther's body was found the next day in a boulder field about 1,000 feet away. Park officials believe Esther attempted to traverse a steep, snow-covered boulder area off-trail, which led to her sliding downhill and hitting large boulders. The National Weather Service indicated that snow and ice likely contributed to the challenging conditions during their ascent.
Timothy Keiderling, the son and brother of the victims, expressed gratitude for the search teams' efforts and requested privacy for the family during this difficult time. He stated, "Their expertise and their care for my father and Esther were evident both during the search and in their comprehensive review over the last days that also helps give us a degree of closure."
The family has asked that all further media inquiries be directed to Baxter State Park as they focus on supporting one another.