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Ranger Falls to Death on Denali's Ice
8 Jun
Summary
- A 33-year-old ranger tragically died after falling into a crevasse.
- The incident occurred near the 14,000-foot camp on Mount McKinley.
- The fallen ranger was an experienced guide with over a decade of experience.
On Thursday, June 4, a 33-year-old seasonal mountaineering ranger named Robin Pendery tragically died after falling into a crevasse on Mount McKinley. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. local time near the 14,000-foot camp while Pendery was on a climbing patrol. Responding personnel were unable to save her life.
Superintendent Brooke Merrell expressed profound sorrow, stating, "We are heartbroken by the loss of a member of our Denali family." Pendery, originally from Enumclaw, Washington, joined the mountaineering staff in 2024 and was known for assisting climbers, emergency response, and mountaineering operations. She brought over a decade of guiding experience to her role, having also worked as an avalanche forecaster and on ski patrol.
Pendery was also a full-time ER nurse who pursued her passion for guiding and teaching in the mountains. Colleagues and friends, like Bailey Disher, noted Pendery's awareness of the significant risks inherent in high-level mountaineering and guiding. An investigation into the circumstances of the fall is ongoing.
