Hiker dies on Mount Katahdin after reaching Appalachian Trail terminus

Bert Peter Goris, a 64-year-old hiker from Colton, California, died on September 14, 2026, while descending Mount Katahdin in Maine. Goris had reached the summit, which serves as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, before becoming injured and incapacitated on the Hunt Trail.

Baxter State Park officials reported that severe weather conditions hindered rescue efforts. On the day of the incident, the mountain experienced periodic rain, wind gusts exceeding 35 mph, and wind chills near 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Two separate hikers encountered Goris and attempted to provide assistance before calling emergency services.

A multi-agency rescue operation involving park rangers and a National Guard helicopter crew was launched, but Goris was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local airport. The Maine Office of Chief Medical Examiner is working to verify the official cause of death.