National Park Service ranger dies after falling into a crevasse on Alaska’s Mount McKinley

DENALI NATIONAL PARK AND RANGE, Alaska (AP) — An Alaska ranger died after falling into a crevasse on North America’s tallest mountain, the National Park Service said.

Robin Pendery, of Enumclaw, Washington, was a seasonal mountaineering ranger assigned to Denali National Park and Preserve. The park service said he fell while climbing on Mount McKinley on patrol and died despite immediate rescue efforts.

The death is under investigation. Coming in just a week three climbers A man from a mountaineering expedition in Latvia has died after falling near a dangerous pass in McKinley. A fourth climber was rescued. They were part of a seven-man team that traversed a route known for its exposed sections, where many climbers have been killed or injured over the years.

McKinley stands at about 20,310 feet (6,190 meters) and Pendery fell near what is known as the camp at 14,000 feet (4,328 meters).

“Our mountaineering rangers are dedicated to serving visitors and helping others in one of the world’s most challenging environments,” Denali Superintendent Brooke Merrell said in a statement Friday. “Today we mourn the loss of a valued colleague, friend and teammate.”