Mt. McKinley — North America’s highest peak — has been the site of multiple fatalities in recent weeks, and on Thursday, another tragic accident unfolded. According to the National Park Service (NPS), a ranger died on the peak in Denali National Park. Details about the incident remain thin, but it is the fourth death in just a week on the same peak. Climbing season on McKinley is off to a deadly start.
Fourth McKinley Death This Season: What Happened
According to a NPS press release, Robin Pendery had been working as a seasonal mountaineering ranger since 2024. He assisted in emergency response and alpine operations within the park.
On Thursday, June 4, around 2 p.m., Pendery fell into a crevasse near 14,000 Foot Camp on McKinley. Emergency personnel responded to the accident immediately, but Pendery did not survive. The NPS is actively investigating the incident and has released no further details.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of a member of our Denali family,” park superintendent Brooke Merrell said in a statement.
“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.”
This marks the fourth death on the mountain so far in 2026. Last week, three people died after a fall near Denali Pass. Since 1903, over 130 people have perished on the 21,310-foot mountain.
