Adirondack Forest Ranger dies in Alaskan ice climbing accident

DENALI PARK, AK | The Department of Environmental Conservation, Keene community, family and friends are mourning the loss of a longtime forest ranger. Robbi Mecus, 52, of Keene was climbing the 8,400-foot peak of Mt. Johnson in Denali National Park and Preserve Thursday when she and her climbing partner fell an estimated 1,000 feet. The surviving partner, a 30-year-old woman from California, sustained serious injuries and was flown by air ambulance to an Anchorage hospital. According to the Park Service, the two women were roped while climbing a steep route of mixed rock, ice, and snow on Mt. Johnson known as "the Escalator" when the accident occurred. Another climbing party on the peak witnessed the fall and notified park rangers. They then descended to the fallen climbers and confirmed that Mecus had died in the accident. The team tended to the injuries of the surviving climbing partner while trying to keep her warm throughout the night. The morning of Friday, April 26, Denali's high-altitude helicopter pilot and two mountaineering rangers rescued the injured climbing partner using a short-haul rescue technique. She was evacuated to Talkeetna, then flown to an Anchorage hospital for advanced medical care. Deteriorating weather conditions prevented the pilot and rangers from returning to the accident site on Friday. On Saturday morning, weather permitted the park's helicopter pilot and mountaineering rangers to return to Mt. Johnson to recover Mecus as her loved ones mourned the loss of the well-known ranger and avid climber. Denali National Park Superintendent Brooke Merrell said "We are grateful for the rescue efforts of Denali mountaineering rangers and the two good Samaritans on Mt. Johnson who helped save a fellow climber's life. We extend our thoughts and condolences to the friends and family of Robbi Mecus". Mecus was well known across the Adirondacks having been a part of hundreds of search and rescue operations during her 25-year career. Services are expected to be announced in the coming days. Former DEC commissioner Basil Seggos was one of the many devastated by the news. "A pillar of strength. Always there for the most difficult (DEC) rescues and crises, and a tremendous leader for LGBTQIA+ rights. I feel fortunate to have known her. Rest in peace, Ranger," Seggos said in a social media post as condolences poured in from across the country, state and local community. Clinton County Sheriff David Favro and members of the Sheriff's Office also offered somber condolences on the loss, saying Mecus "was a strong Forest Ranger and strong local LGBTQ+ community advocate. Mecus spent her time saving lives in the various rescues that she was a part of. She went where few dared to. She was instrumental in assisting and training our local Tri-County Special Response Team in search and rescue. Though we mourn her passing, we hope her legacy lives on with understanding and respect for those who may walk a different path than we may and that our law enforcement officers use the skills that she taught them to pass the gift of life on to those in need." Adirondack Land Trust members were among those who sent their "deepest condolences to Ranger Mecus' family, friends, colleagues, and the many, many people who were inspired by her professional excellence as a forest ranger and her advocacy for the queer community." A GoFundMe has been started to support Ranger Mecus' young daughter, raising more than $20,000 in just two days to support the Keene Valley girl in the difficult days and years ahead. As her climbing partner, Melissa Orzechowski, remains in critical condition, a GoFundMe has also been started to aid in the long road to recovery.

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Adirondack Forest Ranger dies in Alaskan ice climbing accident

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