Fundraiser started to support family of Rutland dad who died hiking in Acadia National Park
Wayne Beckford, 28, leaves behind two young children.
Loved ones of a 28-year-old Rutland man who died hiking in Acadia National Park last week have launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds to support his family and his burial.
The bodies of Wayne Beckford, 28, and his girlfriend Kassandra Caceres, 30, also of Rutland, were found by authorities Saturday. Officials say the couple likely fell about 100 feet from icy cliffs while hiking on Dorr Mountain.
As of Wednesday, more than $10,000 has been donated to the fundraiser for Beckford.
Caceres reportedly told family members by phone on Thursday that they were interested in hiking nearby Cadillac Mountain. Rescue crews began searching for the couple on Friday evening after family members reported them overdue and they failed to check out of their hotel or return to their car.
Family members of the Rutland couple are searching for answers in the wake of their death, CBS Boston reports. Beckford’s cousin, Pauline Leslie, told the station she is wondering why he was out there since the 28-year-old wasn’t an experienced hiker.
“He doesn’t know how to hike,” Leslie told the station.
Family Searching For Answers After Couple Dies Hiking In Acadia National Park @NickEmmonsTV reportshttps://t.co/Y1mnzPXQg3
— WBZ | CBS News Boston (@wbz) March 24, 2021
Jay Elhard, the interpretive media specialist for the national park, told WABI it is important for people to remember as the weather warms up, that mountains in Acadia are still icy and winter hiking gear — such as ice grippers and cleats — are highly encouraged. Anyone planning a hike should evaluate the weather, route, equipment, and their own fitness level first.
”Spring fever can be a little bit dicey in Acadia, especially on the premier trails that we have that are a challenge to do even in dry weather in the peak of summer,” Elhard told the station. “It’s really still very wet up there, and wet conditions on granite are extraordinarily slick. Ice grippers aren’t going to help you with that necessarily. It’s really is imperative that visitors take the time to think things through first before they embark on some of these trails.”
According to CBS Boston, Beckford leaves behind two young children. His third child died in 2014 and it was his wish to be buried beside her.
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