Maine — Mt. Katahdin. On 28 October Mrs. Mower and Mrs. Ivusic climbed Mt. Katahdin via the Cathedral Trail and arrived at Baxter Peak at about 1:30 P.M. They started down the knife edge trial. Mrs. Ivusic decided to take a short cut while Mrs. Mower continued along the trail. They maintained voice contact. Mrs. Ivusic reached a point from which she could not ascend or descend. Mrs. Mower continued on down the Dudley Trail and reached camp at chimney pond at about 7 P.M. Ranger Heath arrived at chimney pond at about 8:15 P.M. after a full day’s work on the trails and was informed that Mrs. Ivusic was stranded on the mountain. He made voice contact with her and said he would come for her the next morning.

The 28th had been warm and clear with no evidence of a change. That evening the wind freshened and Ranger Heath became concerned about the weather and set off at about 11 P.M. with food, extra clothing, 80 feet of rope, a sleeping bag, and a piton. He returned to chimney pond at 4 A.M. on the 29th having made voice contact with Mrs. Ivusic and locating her position. He was not able to reach her because of insufficient rope. He left chimney pond at 6:10 A.M. after requesting more aid from Park Headquarters. The weather at this time was an icy rain and wind. It became progressively worse during the day and persisted for the next three days or so (Hurricane Ginny).

Neither Mrs. Ivusic’s or Ranger Heath’s bodies have been recovered. It is presumed that either they fell and were injured and died of exposure or that exposure without any injury caused their death. An extensive search was unsuccessful because of the weather and newly fallen snow.

Source: Report of Proceedings; Mt. Katahdin: Tragedy Board of Review; William L. Putnam. (See Rescue Report.)