A father and daughter from Ulster County have been found dead after a hiking trip in Maine turned deadly amid dangerous weather conditions.

Tim and Esther Keiderling set out in June for what was supposed to be a scenic hike in Baxter State Park, but park officials say the weather on Mount Katahdin, which is part of the Appalachian Trail and has an elevation of 5,269 feet, suddenly became severe and the pair never made it back. Their bodies were discovered days later after park rangers discovered their car parked at the trailhead.

“That day, there were 30- to 40 mph winds with rain, sleet and snow,” said Baxter State Park ranger Kevin Adam. Authorities believe the Keiderlings were caught off-guard by the unseasonably harsh conditions at the summit and veered off course - possibly sliding downhill uncontrollably and crashing into boulders. The tragedy is now prompting safety reminders for local hikers in the Hudson Valley.

“Here in the Hudson Valley, you don’t have a lot of elevation, but we do have rugged trails—with rock scrambles and steep climbs that can surprise people,” said retired Town of Newburgh Police Chief Michael Clancy, who is also an experienced hiker.

Clancy says even well-known trails, like Breakneck Ridge in Hudson Highlands State Park, see frequent rescues, often because hikers underestimate the terrain or the time it takes to complete a route.

“Check the weather, wear the right footwear, and always bring backup lighting,” Clancy said. “You just can’t rely on your cell phone flashlight out there.”

News 12 meteorologist Matt Hammer says elevation plays a major role in how quickly conditions can change.

“For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the temperature can drop by around 3 to 5 degrees,” Hammer explained.

“So even on a comfortable day at the base, the summit can be up to 25 degrees colder—with wind chills on top of that.”

Experts recommend checking the weather forecast before heading out and wearing sturdy footwear with good traction.

Hikers should carry a map and know their route and bring a headlamp or flashlight – since relying solely on a phone light isn’t safe. It’s also important to pack extra clothing, water, and high-energy snacks, and to let someone know your plans before hitting the trail.

"Just check. Make sure. Be prepared for a sudden change,” Clancy says. “It could mean the difference between a great day outdoors and a tragedy.”

More resources for Appalachian hikers can be found here.