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On April 24, 2025, a hiker from New Jersey died while ascending West Kill Mountain.

Linhu Jin, 54, of Palisades Park, was found unresponsive on the Devil’s Path trail, about a mile up the mountain. A group of hikers discovered his body around 6:45 p.m. and called 911.

Responders from the New York State Police , Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers, and local emergency services reached the scene by 8:30 p.m. Jin was pronounced dead at the site. His body was recovered just after midnight.

Authorities say no foul play is suspected. An official cause of death has not yet been released.

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One of the Region’s Most Difficult Trails

A Tragic Reminder

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One of the Region’s Most Difficult Trails

West Kill is part of the Devil’s Path , a trail often cited as one of the most challenging in the Northeast. The full route traverses six Catskill High Peaks and features intense elevation changes, rugged terrain, and few reliable water sources.

With long stretches of isolation and limited cell service, it’s a serious undertaking even for experienced hikers. The section of trail up West Kill is particularly steep, with few exit options once committed.

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A Tragic Reminder

This tragedy is a sobering reminder of how demanding mountain hiking can be. Even experienced hikers need to respect these mountains. Preparation, physical conditioning, time management, and gear selection all matter — especially on the Devil’s Path, where turnaround options are limited and daylight fades fast. Mountain hiking is intrinsically risky, however, and even experienced and well-prepared hikers can run into serious trouble.

My thoughts are with Mr. Jin’s family and friends. His obituary notes he is survived by his wife and daughter.

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