28 Volunteers Rescue Injured Goffstown Man From White Mountains

CHANDLERS PURCHASE - New Hampshire Fish & Game Conservation Officers were notified of an injured hiker on the Crawford Path between Mt. Pierce and Mt. Eisenhower Friday

The hiker, identified as Michael LaChance, 49, of Goffstown had been attempting to summit Mt. Eisenhower when he slipped on wet rocks and injured his lower leg. Unable to bear weight on the injured leg, LaChance called 911 at about 4:45 p.m.

Conservation Officers say over 28 volunteers from Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue (PEMI SAR), Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue (AVSAR), Lakes Region Search and Rescue (LSAR), and Mountain Rescue Services (MRS) along with 8 Conservation Officers responded to the call.

Rescuers hiked nearly 4 miles to reach LaChance who assessed his injury and treated him on the scene with a splint. He was then placed in a litter and carried out to the AMC Highland Center arriving just before midnight. From there he was taken by personal vehicle to Spear Memorial Hospital in Plymouth.

New Hampshire Fish and Game said, "LaChance is an experienced hiker who was carrying enough gear and supplies in his pack to be able to spend the night on the ridge if necessary."

The trail conditions in the White Mountains still contain vast amounts of snow and ice and traction control devices such as crampons or microspikes are a necessity for anyone planning on venturing out.