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Incident
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 p.m. 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 p.m., 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 a.m. 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 17, 1964. Ranger Heath served with the Baxter State Park for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his five brothers and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Ranger Heath gave the Baxter State Park 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Millinocket community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Ranger Heath.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Ralph is the only officer of Baxter State Park remembered here.
Ralph is one of 33 officers lost to accidents in ME, 38.4% of the 86 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ralph is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1963, 1 officer in ME was lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 29 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 2.
In 1963, 58 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 77th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1963, 67 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 79th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Ralph was 37. Of the 31 lost to accidents in ME whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45.5; the middle age was 33. Ralph had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Ralph was 37. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Ralph had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ralph was 37. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Ralph had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 6.1% of these deaths in ME; November holds the most, 21.2%. Tuesdays: 24.2%.
October holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
October holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Baxter State Park.
Accident deaths account for 38.4% of all 86 deaths in ME, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 8-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Baxter State Park are honored on badge.nw.