Helicopter Hoists Iowa Hiker From Trail In White Mountains

LINCOLN, NH - NH Fish and Game was notified of a hiker experiencing a medical issue along the Appalachian Trail in a section known as Kinsman Ridge Trail near Gordon Pond Monday at 9:00 a.m.

The hiker, Caleb Scanlon, 23 of Des Moines, Iowa, was on a two-day excursion with his father when he started to suffer from a medical issue on Sunday. When Scanlon did not improve the next morning and could not walk, an emergency call was made for assistance.

NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers, and members of the Pemigewassett Valley Search and Rescue Team and Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue Team hiked the Kinsman Ridge Trail approximately 3 miles to Scanlon’s location.

After the initial assessment, it was determined based on the severity of the illness and terrain of the hiking trail that a quicker response was needed.

The United States Army National Guard was requested to assist in the rescue. Though it was cloud-covered and rainy in the morning, the National Guard Blackhawk was able to fly to Scanlon’s location and hoist him up from Gordon Pond.

The National Guard Blackhawk dropped him off at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon NH for further evaluation at 3:20 p.m. The volunteer hikers and Conservation Officers returned to the trailhead at 5:40 pm.