Bert Peter Goris, a 64-year-old hiker from Colton, California, died after suffering an injury on Maine’s tallest mountain on Monday, Sept. 14, according to Baxter State Park officials. Goris was airlifted off Katahdin following emergency 911 calls from fellow hikers, but he was ultimately pronounced dead by medical personnel at Millinocket Municipal Airport.
Timeline of the Katahdin Hike and Rescue Operation
Park law enforcement rangers established that Goris walked into Baxter State Park at the Abol Kiosk on Sunday, Sept. 13. Officials noted that he signed up as a northbound thru-hiker on the Appalachian Trail at Katahdin Stream Campground, where he also spent the night at The Birches Campground. At about 7:40 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, Goris signed the Hunt Trail register. He indicated he was hiking alone to the summit of Katahdin and planned to hike down via the Abol Trail.
Witnesses confirmed that Goris reached the summit. Investigators stated that while Goris was descending along the Hunt Trail, he stopped to ask a passing hiker about directions to the Abol Trail. That hiker directed him toward the trail and spoke with him about wearing additional clothing over his wet shorts and long-sleeved shirt before leaving the mountain due to worsening weather.
At about 1:15 p.m. on Sept. 14, the Houlton Regional Communication Center received the first 911 call reporting an injured and incapacitated hiker on the Hunt Trail near York Valley. A hiker who encountered Goris lying on the trail with an apparent leg injury reported that Goris was struggling to speak and unable to move. According to officials, that first caller provided immediate first aid by wrapping Goris in a sleeping bag, emergency blanket, and tarp, and providing a tent before descending at about 2 p.m. to avoid rapid-onset hypothermia.
A second 911 call came in at 2:35 p.m. from another hiker who had provided Goris with an additional sleeping bag before leaving due to harsh weather. Park rangers launched a rescue effort by deploying teams from the Abol and Chimney Pond campgrounds. A Maine Army National Guard crew from Bangor also responded, landing a Black Hawk helicopter near York Valley on the tablelands of Katahdin at about 4:40 p.m.
Three park rangers alongside Army National Guard personnel placed Goris onto a stretcher and hoisted him away from the mountain via helicopter. The helicopter flew him to Millinocket Municipal Airport, where a local ambulance crew assessed his condition, connected him to medical equipment, and pronounced him dead. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta is working to officially determine his cause of death.
Did You Know? Bert Peter Goris registered as a northbound Appalachian Trail thru-hiker at Katahdin Stream Campground and stayed overnight at The Birches Campground before beginning his ascent on Monday, Sept. 14.
Severe Weather Conditions and Park Safety Advisory
Officials reported that weather conditions on the mountain during the rescue were severe, featuring winds gusting over 35 mph and wind chill temperatures near 20 degrees Fahrenheit, alongside periodic rain and cloud cover. Park authorities at Baxter State Park continually advise all guests to bear in mind that meteorological conditions atop Katahdin’s tableland can worsen much faster than those found down at the base campgrounds.
Park management stresses that individuals planning to climb Katahdin must verify they possess proper winter-grade apparel, equipment, emergency shelter, sustenance, and hydration prior to setting off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the hiker involved in the incident?
The hiker was Bert Peter Goris, 64, of Colton, California.
When did the rescue take place?
The rescue took place on Monday, Sept. 14, after 911 calls were received at 1:15 p.m. and 2:35 p.m., with a National Guard helicopter landing on the mountain at about 4:40 p.m.
What weather conditions were reported on the mountain?
Officials stated that winds were gusting over 35 mph with wind chill temperatures near 20 degrees Fahrenheit, accompanied by periodic rain and cloud cover.
What factors do you think are most important for hikers to consider when assessing changing weather conditions on high-altitude trails?
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