CA, US & World
Grieving Parents Remember Fallen Denali Park Ranger as Scholar and Adventurer
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The parents of a National Park Service mountaineering ranger who died in a tragic climbing accident in Alaska are remembering their daughter as a brilliant scholar, dedicated nurse, and passionate outdoor adventurer.
The National Park Service confirmed that 33-year-old Robin Pendery died on June 4 after falling into a deep crevasse during a routine climbing patrol on Denali. According to agency officials, Pendery was navigating near the 14,000-foot level of the mountain when the fatal accident occurred. The Park Service has launched a formal investigation into the incident, which officials state is standard procedure for any line-of-duty death. Additional details surrounding the timeline of the accident will be withheld until the official administrative review is finalized.
Speaking about their profound loss, Pendery’s parents, Bruce Pendery and Kim Sullivan, shared that their daughter was born with an innate curiosity about the world and an intense drive for independence. Before joining the National Park Service as a seasonal mountaineering ranger, Pendery built an impressive resume in the climbing community, summiting Denali multiple times while working as a professional mountain guide.
Her mother noted that Pendery constantly looked for ways to merge her love for the outdoors with her passion for emergency medicine. She earned a nursing degree and worked in the emergency wards at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Despite a demanding medical career, Pendery continued to teach backcountry avalanche awareness courses and actively encouraged more women to pursue mountaineering.
Her parents emphasized that Pendery was highly trained, deeply analytical, and took every possible precaution to mitigate environmental hazards on the ice, never allowing herself or her team members to be reckless.
Her father expressed immense gratitude for the overwhelming wave of support that has poured in from both the National Park Service and the global climbing community. In honor of her memory, friends and colleagues are partnering with Alpine Ascents International to establish a dedicated scholarship fund aimed at helping women afford vital avalanche and backcountry safety education.
While comforted by the global outpour of love, Pendery's parents acknowledged that they are facing a devastating emotional void that they do not expect to ever overcome, leaning on the advice of close friends who have suffered similar family losses to navigate their ongoing grief.
Explore NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
June 17, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews