**Hiker Found Dead, Daughter Still Missing After Attempting Ascent of Maine’s Tallest Mountain**

A hiking trip to Maine's Mount Katahdin has turned tragic, with one hiker confirmed dead and his daughter still missing. Officials are continuing their efforts to find her.

Tim Keiderling, 58, and his daughter, Esther Keiderling, 28, set out from their campsite in Baxter State Park at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, aiming to reach the 5,269-foot summit of Mount Katahdin. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife provided these details.

On Monday morning, park rangers initiated a search for the Keiderlings after finding their vehicle still in a day-use parking area. Despite combing various hiking trails, including the Katahdin Tablelands where the pair were last seen, there was no initial sign of the hikers.

By Tuesday, the search intensified significantly, involving over 30 game wardens, the Maine Army National Guard, and a K-9 search and rescue team, alongside three helicopters scanning from above.

The search took a somber turn when the K-9 team discovered Tim Keiderling's body at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday. Baxter State Park shared the news via social media, expressing deep sadness and support for the Keiderling family and friends while the search for Esther continues.

Baxter State Park's website describes climbing Katahdin as "a very strenuous climb," cautioning that most search and rescue incidents occur during descents. The site notes that more than 75% of the most serious incidents, including fatalities, happen when hikers stray from marked trails.

Authorities remain hopeful in their search for Esther Keiderling as they continue to navigate the challenging terrain of Mount Katahdin.