A Denali National Park Service ranger dies after falling into a crevasse on the mountain
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A National Park Service ranger died Thursday afternoon after falling into a crevasse on Mount McKinley, marking the latest fatality on an Alaskan mountaintop.
The ranger was identified as Robin Pendery, of Enumclaw, Washington, according to a statement from the National Park Service (NPS).
Officials of the agency said that Pendery was inspecting the road when he fell near the 14,000 meter mountain camp around 2pm local time.
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North and South reaches from a commercial flight above Mt. McKinley on May 28. (H. Beatty/National Park Service)
Pendery was helping out at the 14,200-foot camp next to another ranger, according to a previous park update.
NPS personnel immediately began a rescue attempt, but Pendery did not survive the fall.
Authorities said they are still investigating what exactly happened.
A climber was spotted this week on the Ham and Eggs trail, Moose’s Tooth. (S. Barrier/National Park Service)
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“We are devastated by the loss of a member of our Denali family,” Denali National Park Superintendent Brooke Merrell said in a statement. “Our climbers are dedicated to helping visitors and helping others in the world’s most challenging environment. Today, we mourn the loss of a valuable colleague, friend and colleague.”
Pendery has worked as a part-time mountain ranger at Denali National Park and Preserve since 2024, devoting his time to emergency response, mountain safety and high-altitude operations, according to the agency.
Pendery’s death on Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, comes one week after a separate tragedy claimed the lives of three Latvian climbers.
Ranger Chrissie Oken finishes radio repeats over Mt. Crosson, ~12,800′ this week. (J. Ramos-Leon/National Park Service)
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During the previous incident, four members of the seven-person expedition fell near Denali Pass, known as the mountain’s most dangerous area.
Three climbers – Inese Puceka, Vija Olte and Renars Kunigs-Salaks – died in the fall, while a fourth survived in critical condition, Fox News Digital previously reported.
Rescuers had to use a long-line helicopter to rescue the survivor from the 17,200-foot hole, as harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain prevented a normal landing.
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At 20,310 feet above sea level, Denali is considered one of the most challenging mountains in North America.
Each year, only about 1,000 to 1,200 climbers attempt to climb this mountain, usually during the peak season of May and June. Less than half of those who attempted this last year successfully made it to the top.
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Throughout the history of this park, more than 130 people have died on the mountain.
Fox News Digital’s Kelly McGreal contributed to this report.
