Maine Authorities Identify Katahdin Hiker Who Died

Baxter State Park Officials say a California hiker who died last week was badly injured but alive when the first hiker encountered him.

Maine Park Authorities Have Tentatively Identified a Hiker Who Died on Katahdin

Authorities have tentatively identified the hiker as Bert Goris, 64, of Colton, California.

It was initially reported that a body had been recovered from Katahdin, but officials now say the man was alive when he was first discovered.

According to Baxter State Park Director Kevin Adam, another hiker called 911 around 1:15 pm on September 14, 2026, and said they found a hiker on the ground along the Hunt Trail with a leg injury.

The caller told the dispatcher that the man was having difficulty speaking, was unable to move effectively, and was displaying signs of a leg injury.

Maine Authorities Say Hikers Tried to Help an Injured Hiker Before He Passed Away

Adams says weather conditions on Katahdin at the time of the incident were severe, with cloud cover, periodic rain, winds gusting to 35 mph, and wind chill temperatures near 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

The hiker who had called 911 wrapped Goris in a sleeping bag, a tent, a tarp, and an emergency blanket, but then had to descend the mountain at approximately 2 pm due to rapid-onset hypothermia risk.

Another hiker reportedly encountered the 64-year-old at approximately 2:35 and called 911 before wrapping another sleeping bag around the injured man. That hiker was also forced to make their descent because of worsening weather conditions.

Injured Hiker Was Airlifted Off Katahdin But Died Before He Reached the Hospital

Park rangers hiked to Hunt Trail via Chimney Pond and Abol Trail.

They took Goris to a National Guard Blackhawk helicopter that had landed on Katahdin's Tablelands at around 4:40 pm.

Officials say that Mr. Goris was pronounced deceased when the helicopter reached Milinocket airport.

The Chief Medical Examiner's Office is working to confirm the identity of the deceased and his cause and manner of death.

Park officials say Goris was registered as an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, which means he was hiking the 2,197.9-mile foot trail that stretches between Georgia and Maine.

Baxter State Park has released the following timeline after an investigation by Park Rangers:

Sunday, September 13, 2026: Mr. Goris entered the park on foot at the Abol Kiosk, registered as an Appalachian Trail northbound thru-hiker at Katahdin Stream Campground, and stayed overnight at the Birches Campground.

Monday, September 14, 2026: At approximately 7:40 am, Mr. Goris signed the Hunt Trail register, indicating a solo hike to the summit of Katahdin and descent via the Abol Trail.

Officials say witnesses confirmed that Mr. Goris reached the summit.

During his descent, he stopped to ask a passing hiker about directions to the Abol Trail. The hiker gave him directions and suggested he put on additional clothing over his wet shorts and long-sleeved shirt.

The hiker then parted ways with Mr. Goris as they headed down the trail due to the weather conditions.

Shortly after this, the first emergency calls were placed.

Our condolences to his family and friends.

Baxter State Park officials urge all visitors to remember that weather conditions on Katahdin's Tableland can deteriorate rapidly compared to conditions at base campgrounds.

Hikers must ensure appropriate winter-grade clothing, gear, emergency shelter, food, and water are readily accessible before attempting to climb Katahdin.

We'll update this story as more details become available.