Tim and Esther Keiderling were last seen early Sunday June 1, 2025 during a hike at Baxter State Park in Maine.

A 58-year-old man and his 28-year-old daughter have both been found dead following a morning hike to Maine's Mount Katahdin over the weekend.

Tim Keiderling's body was found near the summit on Tuesday, June 3 at about 2:45 p.m. local time, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife announced in a news release. Officials located Esther Keiderling's body on Wednesday, June 4, at around 1 p.m. local time in a wooded area of Katahdin’s Tableland, according to Baxter State Park officials.

The pair, from Ulster Park, New York, was last seen leaving their campground at Baxter State Park and on their way to the mountain's summit just after 10 a.m. on June 1, officials said.

"We understand that many of our social media followers share in our profound sadness for the family and friends of Tim and Esther Keiderling," Baxter State Park's official Facebook page announced. "We appreciate your support for their loved ones and the members of the search teams during this incredibly difficult time."

Mount Katahdin is known as the highest mountain in Maine and is located within Baxter State Park. The search and rescue mission for the Keiderlings began the next day after their vehicle was spotted in the day-use parking lot.

How did authorities find Tim Keiderling?

Multiple agencies, including park rangers, K9 crews, dozens of game wardens, and the Maine Forest Service, were involved in the ground and air recovery efforts. Multiple trails were closed down for the search.

The Maine National Guard used a Blackhawk and a Lakota Helicopter with thermal imaging technology, according to the park. A Marine Warden Service K9 search team found Tim's body.

"We know that many of our social media followers share in our deep sadness for the family and friends of Tim Keiderling, and appreciate your support as a teams continues the search for Esther," Baxter State Park said in an earlier Facebook post.

'He loved life'

In a statement to local media outlet WMTW, Tim's brother, Joe Keiderling, thanked officials for their work. He reflected on Tim's personality, saying that he lived "exuberantly."

"He loved life, loved people, loved God. He was a storyteller like no one I've known with a rich sense of humor," Joe told the outlet. "He left us far too soon. My heart is broken for his wife and children."

According to the outlet, Esther wrote about her plans to hike Mount Katahdin with her father in a Substack entry. Her blog, "Keep the Banner Flying," is currently private.

"I'm a little nervous after everything I've read about the Abol trail, but I'm going to do it if weather permits!" she reportedly wrote. "If you don't see me back on Substack notes again, that's where I am."

Park officials urged anyone who was on or near Baxter State Park's summit of Katahdin between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on June 1 to contact authorities.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.

Anthony Robledo covers national trending news for USA TODAY. You can reach him at arobledo@usatoday.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Missing father, daughter found dead at Maine's Mount Katahdin

Reporting by Taylor Ardrey and Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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