Three Injured Hikers Rescued By Fish & Game, Volunteers And Helicopter

CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers, several fire departments, and rescue groups have had a very busy weekend rescuing people across New Hampshire.

NH Fish and Game were notified of a 73-year-old man hiker near the summit of Mount Cube in Orford who was suffering a medical emergency Saturday at 12:40 p.m. Local fire department personnel from Orford, Lyme, Wentworth, Hanover, and Thetford, Vermont, along with Conservation Officers and volunteers from Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team responded to the 2.5 mile Cross Rivendell Trail.

As rescuers climbed towards the hiker’s location a call was placed to the NH Army National Guard in an attempt to get a helicopter extraction. The NH Army National Guard was able to quickly get a flight crew assembled. At 2:35 p.m. the first ground crews arrived with the distressed hiker and by 2:45 p.m. the Blackhawk helicopter arrived on the scene and was able to lower a medic By 2:55 p.m. the hiker was hoisted via a "jungle penetrator" to the Blackhawk and was in route to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for treatment.

The hiker, identified as Richard Nagriof Manchester was hiking with a companion and as they arrived at the summit of Mount Cube, the incident occurred. The companion quickly notified NH 911 by cellphone. Richard was well prepared and an experienced hiker who had hiked throughout New Hampshire.

As rescuers were still responding down Mount Cube two more calls for injured hikers were reported to NH Fish and Game. Shortly after 4 p.m., two separate reports of hikers on the Bridle Path reported that they had suffered lower leg injuries that were preventing them from continuing. Both hikers were descending the trail from the summit of Mount Lafayette.

The first report was from a 34-year-old female solo hiker who had fallen and injured her lower leg. Only a short distance from AMC’s Greenleaf Hut, Good Samaritan hikers carried her to the hut to wait for rescue. The second report was from a 28-year-old man who had suffered a lower leg injury approximately 1.75 miles from the trailhead. Conservation Officers along with volunteers from Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team and Lakes Region Search and Rescue Team reported to the trailhead.

As the flight crew from the earlier Orford incident was still at the hanger in Concord, a request was placed to determine if they could respond to Mount Lafayette and extract the injured hiker located at Greenleaf Hut, three miles from the trailhead. Both incidents occurred as a storm cell was arriving in the area.

NH Army National Guard advised they would head in that direction and make an attempt. Unfortunately, the Blackhawk encountered weather while en route that would prevent them from making it to the area for extraction.

Ground crews continued to both injured parties. At 5:55 p.m. the first rescuers arrived with the lowest injured hiker. They were able to quickly stabilize the injury and determine that he would be able to hobble down the trail with assistance. This freed up many rescuers to be able to continue to the Greenleaf Hut. The group of over 30 rescuers started arriving at the Greenleaf Hut at 6:52 p.m. It was quickly determined that the injured hiker would need to be carried. The injury was stabilized and she was placed into a rescue litter. The rescue team departed from Greenleaf Hut at 7:45 p.m.

By 8:40 p.m. the hiker being assisted down the trail arrived at the trailhead. The hiker was identified as William Hernandez of New York, New York. He reported that they had encountered icy trails throughout the day but as he was traversing a relatively easy stretch of trail he had somehow injured his lower leg. A hiking companion called NH911 to report the incident after determining that they would not be able to make it without assistance. The pair was well prepared for a day hike. William was transported from the trailhead for medical care by his companion.

At 11:45 p.m., the second rescue team arrived at the trailhead. The 34-year-old woman was identified as Andrea Dicunzolo of Pelham. Andrea reported that as she descended the trail she slipped causing an injury to her lower leg that she knew would prevent her from continuing without being carried off the mountain. Luckily she was able to wait inside the shelter of the Greenleaf Hut while she awaited rescuers. Andrea was well prepared for a day hike and had hiked many of New Hampshire’s 4,000-footers. Andrea was transported from the trailhead by Linwood ambulance to Littleton Regional Hospital for treatment.

A steady rain occurred throughout the rescue as well as thunder and lightning. Rescuers encountered steep, icy, and wet trails making for slow travel. All rescuers arrived at the trailhead uninjured. As a reminder icy conditions still persist at higher elevations and traction devices are a necessary piece of equipment. Sturdy footwear should be worn that provides not only support but protection from rocks, as well as give you traction on dry and wet surfaces. Rescuers encountered many unprepared hikers as they climbed the trail. They handed out extra headlamps and other equipment so that they could make it safely back to the trailhead.

For safe hiking tips and a list of essential gear, visit hikesafe.com. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities.