Alaska Ranger Dies in Crevasse Fall on Denali

Seasonal mountaineering ranger Robin Pendery of Enumclaw, Washington, died after falling into a crevasse on North America’s tallest mountain, the National Park Service confirmed. She was on a climbing patrol on Mount McKinley this Thursday when the fatal fall occurred.

The incident is currently under investigation. It comes just a week after three climbers from a Latvian expedition died near a treacherous pass on McKinley, with a fourth climber rescued. Those climbers were part of a seven‑person team on a route notorious for its exposed sections.

McKinley rises to about 20,310 feet (6,190 meters); Pendery’s fall took place near the 14,000‑foot (4,328‑meter) camp.

“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. “Today, we mourn the loss of a valued colleague, friend and teammate.”