Robbi Mecus, a well-loved New York forest ranger and transgender advocate, tragically died after falling over 1,000 feet while ice climbing Mount Johnson in Alaska. Her climbing partner also fell but survived with serious injuries. It took until the following morning for the survivor to be airlifted to the hospital, and Mecus’s body was recovered the next day due to deteriorating weather conditions. Mecus, who had worked as a forest ranger for 25 years, was praised for her professional excellence, rescue efforts, and contributions to advancing diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQ belonging within the agency.
Known for her love of rock and ice climbing, Mecus was an advocate for the queer community in the Adirondacks and struggled with her gender identity before transitioning in her 40s. Despite her challenges, she found solace in the climbing community, becoming a leader at a time when she didn’t see many queer or trans individuals in outdoor activities. She had visited Alaska multiple times for climbing expeditions, even successfully climbing “the Escalator” the previous year. However, her final climb proved fatal, highlighting the dangerous nature of Mount Johnson’s peak and the risks involved in navigating the challenging terrain.
Mecus’s passing was mourned by her colleagues at the Department of Environmental Conservation, where she had shown dedication, professionalism, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a transgender woman, she was known for her resilience and advocacy in the queer community. Despite the challenges she faced in her personal journey, Mecus found a sense of belonging and leadership through her love for climbing and outdoor adventures. Her daughter and former wife survive her, residing in the community of Keene Valley where Mecus had made a lasting impact on those around her.
The tragic incident on Mount Johnson serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by climbers in challenging environments and the importance of safety precautions in high-risk activities. Mecus’s legacy as a dedicated ranger, LGBTQ advocate, and trailblazer in the climbing community will live on through the impact she made on those she worked with and the communities she supported. Her untimely death has left a void in the hearts of her loved ones and colleagues, who remember her for her courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to her passions and values. Denali National Park and Preserve, where the accident occurred, is a remote wilderness area known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking beauty, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and climbers from around the world.
