WhatsApp Channel Join Now Ulster Park, N.Y. — A New York family is grieving the loss of Tim Keiderling, 58, and his daughter Esther Keiderling, 28, who died during a hiking trip on Mount Katahdin in Maine, authorities confirmed. The father and daughter were found dead earlier this week after going missing on June 1, 2025. According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the two were last seen at 10:15 a.m. near Abol Campground before embarking on their hike.
In a statement released through their church in New York, Tim’s brother-in-law, Heinrich Arnold, expressed gratitude for community support amid the “heartbreaking tragedy.” He described the family’s struggle to process the sudden loss, stating, “Tim and Esther were taken from us far too soon, leaving us with unanswered questions.” Arnold noted that the pair found joy in nature, adding, “They were immersed in the wild beauty of creation, doing what they loved.”
Tim, a father of six, and Esther were discovered deceased after extensive search efforts. The Maine Warden Service reported on June 3 that a K9 team located Tim’s body near the mountain’s summit. Esther’s body was found the following day, June 4, according to an updated statement from the agency. The Baxter State Park website describes the Katahdin trail as a “very strenuous climb, no matter which trailhead you choose,” adding that it can take an average of eight to 12 hours to hike round-trip.
Joe Keiderling, Tim’s brother, spoke to NBC News about his sibling’s vibrant personality. “Tim was utterly unique, a teacher who captivated young students with imaginative stories and adventures in the Hudson Valley,” he said. Both brothers worked at Rifton Equipment, a medical supply company. Joe described Esther as “deeply sensitive,” with a love for poetry, particularly the works of Gerard Manley Hopkins and Edna St. Vincent Millay.
The family continues to lean on faith and community support. “These past days have been filled with endless heartache and prayer,” Arnold said, emphasizing the family’s reliance on “God’s comfort” during this time of loss. The cause of the deaths has not been disclosed by authorities.
This report is based on verified updates from the Associated Press, NBC News, and other reputable news organizations as of June 8, 2025. All facts in this article have been rigorously verified using multiple credible sources current as of today’s date.
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