Ranger Dies in Fall on Denali
Robin Pendery died after falling into a crevasse while climbing on patrol on North America’s tallest mountain, known locally as Denali, the US National Park Service reported.
Pendery fell on Thursday during a climbing patrol on the mountain. Despite immediate rescue efforts, she did not survive, according to the park service.
Pendery, from Enumclaw, Washington, was a seasonal mountaineering ranger assigned to Denali National Park and Preserve.
Incident Under Investigation
The circumstances surrounding Pendery’s death are currently under investigation. This incident occurred just one week after three climbers from a Latvian mountaineering expedition died after falling near a hazardous pass on Denali. The US government has referred to the mountain as Mount McKinley at various times, including during the second Trump administration.
A fourth climber from that Latvian expedition was rescued. The group consisted of seven members traversing a route known for its exposed sections, where many climbers have historically suffered injuries or fatalities.
Mountain Details and Location of Fall
Denali rises approximately 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) above sea level. Pendery fell near a camp situated at 14,000 feet (4,328 meters).
Statement from Denali Superintendent
“Our mountaineering rangers dedicate themselves to serving visitors and helping others in one of the most challenging environments in the world,” Denali superintendent Brooke Merrell said in a statement on Friday. “Today, we mourn the loss of a valued colleague, friend and teammate.”
