Former North Country School teacher is in critical condition after the accident
By Chloe Bennett
Robbi Mecus, a state forest ranger and admired Adirondack community member, died while climbing in Alaska’s Denali National Park last week. According to the National Park Service, Mecus, 52, fell about 1,000 feet while climbing a peak in Ruth Gorge. She was accompanied by Melissa Orzechowski, a fellow climber and former North Country School teacher, who was injured by the fall but survived.
On Thursday, Mecus and Orzechowski were connected to each other while ascending “the Escalator.” It’s a route the park service describes as a “steep and technical alpine climb on the peak’s southeast face.” It involves rock, ice and snow.
Nearby climbers saw the pair’s steep fall and called the Alaska Regional Communication Center around 10:45 pm, then climbed down to help. The responders dug a snow cave and tended to Orzechowski’s injuries until a high-altitude rescue helicopter arrived the next day, the release states. The surviving climber was loaded up and airlifted to an Anchorage hospital.
A crew of rangers recovered Mecus’ body on Saturday, according to the Associated Press. Orzechowski, 30, remains in critical condition following the accident. A GoFundMe crowdfunding page was made to help cover the climber’s medical bills and travel expenses.
Another page was created for Mecus’ daughter and former wife. Adirondack-based Lisa Bramen is requesting financial support for the family. “Those of us who have been on the receiving end of her generous spirit are both honored and saddened to have the opportunity to return the favor,” she wrote of Mecus’ former wife.
National Park Service photo
Mecus was well-known in the Adirondacks as a forest ranger and role in the local queer community. In her 40s, Mecus came out as a trans woman and continued her work in rescues and outdoor education. In a 2021 interview, she told North Country Public Radio she felt accepted and supported by her coworkers.
Orzechowski is a cofounder of the Adirondack Queer Ice Fest which aims to welcome queer and questioning people into the sport. Mecus helped organize the festival, offering her ice-climbing expertise.
Julia Goren, deputy director of the Adirondack Mountain Club, said Mecus provided comfort to the team with her outdoor expertise, professionalism and kindness. “You simply felt better when she was around,” Goren said.
Sean Mahar, interim DEC commissioner said he was mourning the loss of Mecus. “Over her 25-year career with DEC, Ranger Mecus demonstrated an unparalleled passion for protecting the environment and New Yorkers,” he said. “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.”
In a post on X Saturday, former DEC commissioner Basil Seggos said he was devastated by the news. “A pillar of strength. Always there for the most difficult (DEC) rescues and crises, and a tremendous leader for LGBTQIA+ rights. I feel fortunate to have known her. Rest in peace, Ranger.”
The Explorer spoke with Mecus in February about ice climbing conditions and a ranger rescue she was involved in on Pitchoff Mountain. She reflected on warming winters in the park and how that affects outdoor activities. She said education was making a difference in the number of yearly accidents and rescues.
“We spend a lot of time trying to interact with people before they go to the woods about preparedness and how to navigate and be safe in the winter environment,” she said. “I do believe that is working, I do believe that we are seeing lower numbers, with respect to the amount of people that are out there.”
Editor’s note: The story was updated at 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on April 28 with information about Robbi Mecus’ climbing partner. We will continue to update as new information becomes available.
Photo at top: Robbi Mecus was a forest ranger with a decades-long career in the Adirondacks. Photo: New York State Department of Conservation
