Dead Katahdin hiker was still alive when 1st 911 call went out

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • September 21, 2026

A hiker on Katahdin was still alive when the first 911 call came in, Baxter State Park’s director told the Bangor Daily News. Another hiker encountered Bert Peter Goris, 64, of Colton, California, around 1:15 p.m. on Sept. 14 on Hunt Trail near York Valley, Director Kevin Adam said Monday. Goris had a leg injury and difficulty talking and could not move well. The Maine Army National Guard deployed a helicopter to rescue Goris. Baxter State Park rangers hiked up to Goris and helped him to the helicopter that landed on Katahdin’s Tablelands around 4:40 p.m. Goris was confirmed deceased at Millinocket Airport where ambulance staff met the helicopter, Adam said.