Thru-hiker died after summiting Katahdin, official says

California Thru‑Hiker Dies on Mount Katahdin After Reaching the Summit

BERT PETER GORIS, a 64‑year‑old resident of Colton, California, died on September 14 after completing the Appalachian Trail’s northern terminus on Mount Katahdin. The incident occurred on the Hunt Trail near York Valley, where Goris was found unable to speak, move, or stand.

A Sudden Crisis

At 1:15 p.m. on Monday, a hiker called 911 to report a man lying on the trail who was “experiencing difficulty talking, unable to move and showing signs of a leg injury.” The caller wrapped Goris in a sleeping bag, an emergency blanket, a tarp and a tent before being forced to continue down the trail at 2 p.m. due to severe weather. A second rescuer called 911 at 2:35 p.m. and wrapped Goris in another sleeping bag, but the conditions ultimately required the team to move on.

The weather at the time was harsh: periodic rain, wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, and wind‑chill temperatures near 20 °F. The combination of wet clothing and cold air increased the risk of hypothermia, prompting the rescue team to prioritize swift evacuation over prolonged on‑site care.

Rapid Response

Baxter State Park dispatched rescuers from the Abol and Chimney Pond campgrounds. At 4:40 p.m., the Maine Army National Guard in Bangor launched an air‑evacuation mission. A helicopter landed near York Valley, where park rangers and crew members secured Goris on a stretcher and transported him to Millinocket Airport. An ambulance crew on the ground determined that he had died.

Director Kevin Adam confirmed that the official identification of the victim had been tentatively made as Bert Peter Goris, and that the cause of death would be pending confirmation from the Maine Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Trail History

Goris entered Baxter State Park on foot at the Abol Kiosk on September 13. He registered as a northbound thru‑hiker at Katahdin Stream Campground and spent the night at The Birches Campground. On the morning of September 14 he signed the Hunt Trail register at 7:40 a.m., indicating plans to summit the mountain alone before descending the Abol Trail. Witnesses interviewed by the park confirmed that he reached the summit.

As he began his descent, a passing hiker advised Goris to use additional clothing over his wet shorts and long‑sleeved shirt and directed him to the Abol Trail. The hiker was forced to leave the trail due to the deteriorating weather, and shortly thereafter the emergency calls were placed.

A Broader Warning

The park officials emphasize that weather can change rapidly on Katahdin’s Tablelands. They advise all visitors to ensure they carry appropriate winter clothing, emergency shelter, sufficient food and water, and the necessary gear before attempting to reach the summit.

The incident follows a tragic event in June 2025 when a father and daughter from New York died on Katahdin during dangerously cold conditions, including wind chills below freezing. That case was later attributed to complications of hypothermia.

Reactions

Director Adam remarked, “The hiker had to leave because of the weather conditions. Shortly after this, the first emergency calls were placed.” His comments underscore the role that sudden weather shifts played in both the rescue effort and the unfortunate outcome.

Goris’s death is the latest reminder of the dangers inherent to long‑distance hiking in Maine’s rugged terrain, and of the importance of preparation and vigilance when traversing Mount Katahdin. The Maine Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will release a final report on the cause of death once the investigation is complete.