Seattle nurse and park ranger dies in fall on Mount McKinley in Alaska

A Seattle nurse, who was also a U.S. park ranger, died on Thursday while she was mountaineering on Mount McKinley in Alaska and fell into a crevasse.

Robin Pendery, 33, was working as a climbing ranger on the mountain when she fell near 14,000 Foot Camp on the more than 20,300-foot mountain, according to FOX 13.

“Robin has been an integral part of our community for years, working as a professional observer at [Northwest Avalanche Center], a member of the Crystal Mountain avalanche forecasting program, and a guide for Alpine Ascents International,” the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) announced.

More than a decade of mountain work across the Pacific Northwest

Pendery worked as a mountain guide, ski patroller, and avalanche forecaster in the Pacific Northwest for more than a decade, according to Alpine Ascents.

Pendery also spent time as an emergency nurse in Seattle and worked for the NWAC. She was known as a highly skilled and experienced climber and guide, notching several significant ascents throughout her career, such as Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Mount Baker, and Mount St. Helens.

In a statement, the National Park Service addressed the heartbreaking loss of Pendery.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of a member of our Denali family,” Superintendent Brooke Merrell said. “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.”

‘A dear friend to many’: Crystal Mountain remembers Pendery

Pendery also spent significant time working with Crystal Mountain Resort. The resort released a statement following her death in Alaska, reading:

“The Crystal Mountain community is heartbroken by the loss of Robin Pendery, 33, a former ski patroller and beloved member of the Pacific Northwest mountain community. Our heart goes out to her family, friends, fellow patrollers, and all those whose lives she touched.”

The resort noted that she served on the Crystal Ski Patrol for many years, was also an essential member of the Snow Safety team, and provided support as a volunteer last winter.

“An avid climber, accomplished alpinist, and dear friend to many, Robin left a lasting impact on the mountain community,” Crystal Mountain Resort stated. “Our hearts are with her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.”

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