Several Unprepared Hikers Rescued From New Hampshire’s Mt. Lafayette
A 19-year-old New Jersey hiker was hospitalized after a harrowing overnight rescue on Mount Lafayette in Franconia, New Hampshire, that reached into the early morning hours of Saturday, June 20th.
New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified around 8pm on Friday that a group of hikers at the summit were suffering from hypothermia in cold, wet, and rainy conditions with no lights, no visibility, and no warm clothing. AMC Croo members hiked up from Greenleaf Hut and located the group 0.15 miles below the summit.
One of the hikers, a 19-year-old from New Jersey, was found unresponsive and suffering from severe hypothermia. The second hiker, another 19-year-old also of New Jersey, was cold and wet but conscious. AMC crew members provided shelter and dry clothing while awaiting additional help.
The Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team and the Lakes Region Search and Rescue Team were called in to carry the unconscious hiker down to Greenleaf Hut. Rescuers reached him around 1:10am and arrived at the hut at 2:55am. During the carry a volunteer rescuer was severely injured by the difficult conditions and had to be assisted back to the trailhead.
While the first rescue was underway a second group of hikers on Lafayette suffering from hypothermia was reported roughly 1.1 miles from the trailhead. Rescuers already on scene provided lights and dry clothing and guided them out safely.
The unconscious hiker regained consciousness at the hut and was eventually walked down the Old Bridle Path, reaching the trailhead at 7:55am. He was transported by ambulance to Littleton Regional Hospital for further treatment.
Fish and Game reminded hikers that mountain weather can change rapidly and urged anyone heading into the backcountry to carry the ten essentials and check forecasts at MountWashington.org before heading out.
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