A tragic incident occurred in Alaska's Denali National Park and Preserve, where a climber lost her life after falling approximately 1,000 feet while attempting a challenging route. The body of Robbi Mecus, 52, from Keene Valley, New York, was recovered by a helicopter crew on Saturday following the fatal fall on the southeast face of Mount Johnson. Sadly, Mecus succumbed to her injuries sustained during the accident. Her climbing partner, a 30-year-old woman from California, also suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to an Anchorage hospital for treatment.
After successfully rescuing the injured climber on Friday, a rescue helicopter and two mountaineering rangers made a second attempt to retrieve Mecus' body. However, adverse weather conditions forced them to retreat temporarily. Fortunately, the weather improved on Saturday morning, allowing the recovery operation to be completed.
In a social media post, New York Department of Environmental Conservation interim Commissioner Sean Mahar expressed his admiration for Ranger Mecus, describing her as an "incredible, passionate ranger."
Ranger Mecus, who dedicated 25 years to the DEC, was praised by Mahar for her unwavering commitment to environmental protection and the people of New York. He highlighted her exceptional leadership in risky rescues and intricate searches, as well as her efforts in educating the public on trail safety, participating in out-of-state wildfire missions, and promoting diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ acceptance within the agency.
Additionally, Mecus was a co-founder of the Adirondack Queer Ice Festival, an LGBTQ event that celebrates and provides a welcoming space for members of the queer community.
