Baxter State Park, Maine
End of Watch Tuesday, October 29, 1963
Ralph W. Heath
Ranger Ralph Heath died of exposure while attempting to rescue a woman on Mount Katahdin during a snowstorm.
On Monday, October 28th, 1963, two women climbed to Baxter Peak on Mount Katahdin, by way of the Cathedral Trail, arriving at the summit at 1:30 pm. After lunch, the two women started out across the Knife’s Edge and became separated. The two continued on their chosen routes and were in verbal contact until one relayed that she was stuck and could not go up or down.
The second woman descended to Chimney Pond campground by way of the Dudley Trail and alerted Ranger Heath of the situation. At approximately 11:00 pm the weather changed drastically with a storm that deposited two feet of snow over the next 24 hours.
Ranger Heath made two attempts to reach the stranded woman. The second attempt was made at 6:00 am on Tuesday, October 29th, 1963, from the base of the Knife’s Edge. He attempted to hike up to the woman from below her position. This was the last known action made by Ranger Heath. At some point, that day, Ranger Heath and the woman succumbed to the elements.
Ranger Heath's body was recovered on May 17th, 1964.
Bio
- Age 37
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Exposure
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsYou truly showed determination and courage in your efforts. It's a shame that woman lost her life as well, but in some respects, she caused your death as well as her own, and that is a very sad shame.
When people put their own lives in danger and the lives of others just for an adventure, it baffles my mind.
Ranger Heath, you're a hero in every sense of the word and the State of Maine owes you enormous gratitude, as does everyone who ever enjoyed a park.
God Bless you and may your eternal rest be ever peaceful, Brother.
Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Dept.
February 15, 2016
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Rogelio Santander
Dallas Police Department, TX
EOW: April 25, 2018

Corporal Eugene Cole
Somerset County Sheriff's Office, ME
EOW: April 25, 2018

Detective Sergeant Brian Scott Cuscino
New Castle Police Department, PA
EOW: April 19, 2018

Police Officer Tamby Yagan
Paterson Police Department, NJ
EOW: April 22, 2018

Deputy Sheriff Casey L. Shoemate
Miller County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: April 20, 2018

Sergeant Noel Ramirez
Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 19, 2018

Deputy Sheriff Taylor Lindsey
Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 19, 2018

Sergeant Sean McNamee Gannon
Yarmouth Police Department, MA
EOW: April 12, 2018

Patrolman Kevin F. Crossley
Whitesboro Police Department, NY
EOW: April 11, 2018