National Park Service Climbing Ranger Dies on Mount McKinley
On Thursday, June 4, 2026, a National Park Service ranger passed away on Mount McKinley after falling into a crevasse near 14,000 Foot Camp.
The ranger was identified as Robin Pendry, of Eunmclaw, Washington, who worked as a seasonal mountaineering ranger in Denali National Park and Reserve.
The mountain, previously known as Denali, was renamed Mount McKinley by an Executive Order issued by President Trump in January of 2025.
NPS personnel responded immediately to the incident but, despite their best efforts, were unable to save Pendry. The incident is still under investigation. “We are heartbroken by the loss of a member of our Denali family,” said Superintendent Brooke Merrell, “Our mountaineering rangers dedicate themselves to serving visitors and helping others in one of the most challenging environments in the world. Today, we mourn the loss of a valued colleague, friend and teammate. Our thoughts are with Robin’s family and loved ones.”
Pendry, 33, joined the Denali mountaineering staff in 2024 and worked to support climber safety, emergency response, and mountain operations on the peak. Pendry also worked as a ski patroller at Washington’s Crystal Mountain for many years, where she was an integral part of the Snow Safety team. She continued to support Crystal Mountain ski patrol as a volunteer ALS provider this past winter.
Pendry also worked as a professional observer for the Northwest Avalanche Center and a guide for Alpine Ascents International.
The National Park Service will release additional information as it becomes available and appropriate to share.
POWDER extends our deepest condolences to Pendry’s family and friends, the entire Denali climbing community, and all those affected by the tragedy.
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