A veteran New York forest ranger has died while ice climbing in Alaska.
Robbi Mecus was climbing in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve when she tragically plummeted to her death.
She was a forest ranger of 25 years in New York and was embarking on a grueling climb up 8,400-foot Mount Johnson last week.
Mecus tragically ended up falling 1,000ft on Thursday (April 25) on the steep route.
Forest Ranger of 25 years Robbi Mecus has died. (Robbi Mecus/Facebook)
She was joined by a fellow climber who also fell but has survived her injuries.
The 30-year-old – who has not yet officially been named – was rescued on Friday and was rushed to hospital for medical attention.
Rescue teams returned to where the climbers had failed to retrieve Mecus’ body on Saturday.
Mecus, a trans woman, was a well-known LGBTQ+ advocate who co-founded Queer Ice Fest in the Adirondack Mountains.
Tributes have since been rolling in for the late 52-year-old, who has been described as an ‘incredible, passionate ranger’.
Mecus was climbing Mount Johnson in Denali National Park. (John Elk/Getty)
New York Department of Environmental Conservation interim Commissioner Sean Mahar penned in a heartfelt statement: “I join the Department of Environmental Conservation family in mourning the sudden and tragic passing of Forest Ranger Robbi Mecus.”
“Over her 25-year career with DEC, Ranger Mecus demonstrated an unparalleled passion for protecting the environment and New Yorkers,” Mahar went on.
“She exemplified the Forest Rangers’ high standard of professional excellence while successfully leading dangerous rescues and complex searches, educating the public about trail safety, deploying out of state for wildfire response missions, and advancing diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ belonging throughout the agency. “
Elsewhere Mecus has been hailed as ‘a role model in the queer and outdoor community’ by NCPR reporter Emily Russell, who recently interviewed the well-loved ranger.
The climber and LGBTQ advocate has been described as an ‘incredible, passionate ranger’. (Robbi Mecus/Facebook)
“It’s impossible to understate the lifesaving role Robbi has had in the Adirondacks,” Russell added on X.
Others have responded to Russell’s tweet sharing in her sadness at the news of Mecus’ death.
Someone said: “I knew Robbi since I was a kid. She was an amazing Forest Ranger and an amazing human. I still can’t believe it.”
“This is a huge loss on the community,” said a second.
“I am devastated,” wrote a different person.
In regards to the second climber she is said to be in critical condition after the fall.
Topics: News, US News, New York, LGBTQ
