Search Efforts Continue for Missing Hiker in Maine

A 58-year-old hiker was discovered deceased near a mountain peak in Maine, while his 28-year-old daughter is still unaccounted for, according to authorities.

The body of Tim Kaiderling was located at Tableland, close to the summit of Mount Katahdin, around 2:45 PM on Tuesday as reported by the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Service.

Efforts to locate his daughter, Esther, are actively ongoing.

Tim and Esther Kaiderling, originally from Ulster Park, New York, set out from the Evol Campground on Sunday morning around 10:15 AM. They aimed to hike to the summit of Katahdin in Baxter State Park, particularly toward the northern end of the Appalachian Trail.

The search for them commenced Monday morning after park rangers found their vehicle parked at the trailhead.

After the discovery of Tim’s body, his brother, Joe, spoke to local media, expressing his profound sorrow, saying, “My heart is broken.” He mentioned Tim’s family and reflected on his brother’s zest for life. “No one has a brother like me,” he added, describing Tim as someone who truly embraced life and enjoyed storytelling.

Joe also conveyed his gratitude towards the first responders involved in the ongoing search for Esther.

Over 30 personnel from the Maine Game Warden, including K-9 units, search and rescue teams, and support from the Maine Forest Service and the Maine Army National Guard, have been engaged in this search effort.

In light of these events, several trails in the area have been temporarily closed.

Mount Katahdin stands tall at approximately 5,267 feet and is the northernmost point of the Appalachian Trail, known for its challenging climbs, with an average round trip taking about 8 to 12 hours.