The Green Mountain Club, maintaining trail club of the Appalachian Trail in Vermont, is saddened to learn of the death of Appalachian Trail section hiker Robert “Steady Eddie” Kerker.
Mr. Kerker was reported overdue to the National Park Service on July 24, and the search was organized by Vermont State Search and Rescue in cooperation with Vermont State Police and other local agencies. Mr. Kerker’s body was found on July 30 in the Stony Brook on the Appalachian Trail in Stockbridge, and state police said in a release it was likely related to catastrophic flooding that faced the area July 10 and 11.
“The loss of ‘Steady Eddie’ is felt throughout the trail community, as we mourn the tragic loss of a fellow long distance hiker. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and hiking companions” said Mike DeBonis, GMC’s Executive Director.
GMC thanks the Vermont Search and Rescue teams for their extensive training that allowed them to respond quickly and engage multiple partners in the search, including GMC staff and volunteers. We are grateful for their leadership and dedication to the safety of hikers in Vermont.
My son and I met Steady Eddie at High Point, New Jersey, September 26th 2022. He was a delight to talk to and we chatted for 15 mins about his hike. He mentioned that he was pausing his hike in New York to go home for a break. He titled himself a “M.Y.T.H.” (multi year thru hiker). We all laughed at that. We are heartbroken to hear this news. As an older hiker, I was very inspired by Mr. Kerker. Keeping him in my thoughts and offering my condolences to his family should they read this.
RIP Mr. Steady Eddy may your trails never end, for the love🥾🥾