An Upstate New York father and his adult daughter are missing after setting out on a hike in Baxter State Park over the weekend, prompting an ongoing search by park officials and state authorities.
Tim Keiderling, 58, and Esther Keiderling, 28, both of Ulster County, New York, were last seen around 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, as they began their ascent toward the summit of Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine.
According to a statement from Baxter State Park officials, the pair has not been seen since. Search and rescue efforts began shortly after the park confirmed the Keiderlings’ vehicle was found at a day-use parking lot on the morning of Monday, June 2.
“We have conducted extensive aerial and ground searches, but unfortunately, no sign of the hikers has been found at this time,” park officials said in a June 3 update on Facebook.
Over 30 personnel are involved in the search, including K9 units and air support from the Maine Forest Service. Helicopters used include a Blackhawk, a Lakota, and three additional aircraft equipped with thermal imaging technology.
To aid search operations, the Hunt and Abol Trails have been temporarily closed.
Officials are urging anyone who was in the area—especially around Mount Katahdin’s summit between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on June 1—to contact Maine State Police in Houlton at (207) 532-5400.
Authorities have asked the public not to volunteer for search efforts, stating that professional teams are handling operations.
No additional information is currently available, but officials have assured the public that updates will be provided as the search continues.
