Two people died and another was seriously injured in recent accidents in Acadia National Park.
Acadia National Park officials are cautioning the public to use extra care when visiting the park after a series of accidents, which included two fatalities.
On June 23, park rangers responded to reports of a 20-year-old male who fell about 20 feet at the South Wall of Champlain Mountain climbing area.
When park rangers arrived on scene, Bar Harbor Fire Department ambulance crew was preparing to transport the patient, who had been carried to the Park Loop Road by a group of other climbers.
On June 25, park rangers and local EMS personnel responded to a report of a man who collapsed and hit his head near the summit of Cedar Swamp Mountain.
When first responders arrived, the patient was not breathing and had no pulse. Life Flight of Maine transported the patient to Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. The patient has since passed away from his injuries.
Park rangers also assisted Maine Marine Patrol officers in a fatal incident after a sailboat ran aground near Eastern Head on Isle au Haut on June 30, 2025. Maine Marine Patrol is leading the investigation of that fatality.
“Any fatality in the park is devastating,” said Park Superintendent Kevin Schneider, “but having three major incidents in the park this close together is hard to fathom. I’m proud of our park rangers who responded to these terrible incidents and worked tirelessly support the victims and their families as the incidents unfolded. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those impacted by these terrible tragedies.”
Officials said accidents happen, but planning ahead can help reduce the risk of injury.
Before setting out on the park’s hiking trails, officials say visitors should carefully research hazards and challenges along their planned route.
Visitors should not rely on a cellphone as a map or flashlight, and they should always carry extra water, a detailed map, warm layers, and foot traction as conditions warrant.
