22 Volunteers Search Overnight For Missing Hiker On Franconia Trail

LINCOLN, NH — A hiker died in the White Mountains and was located hours after his last contact with anyone.

On Friday, at 6:30 p.m., New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers were notified of an overdue hiker from the Coppermine Trail area in Franconia. The hiker had departed earlier in the day and had planned a hike to the area of the middle Cannon Ball up through the Coppermine Brook valley to check the conditions of a ski glade before the winter skiing season. At around 4 p.m., the man told his wife he was OK and on his way back out.

When the man did not return home in a reasonable timeframe, she called for assistance. Franconia Police located the hiker’s vehicle at the Coppermine Road off Route 116 in Franconia. Conservation Officers from New Hampshire Fish and Game also responded to the trailhead.

Having a rough idea of the intended route, Conservation Officers started up the trail a little after 9 p.m. The area needing to be searched was primarily off-trail and required bushwhacking through thick vegetation in wintery conditions.

Just before 1 a.m., while ascending the edges of a steep ice-over slide, the body of the missing man was located at around 2,800 feet in elevation.

Additional Conservation Officers and volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team were called to assist with the recovery effort. Twenty-two rescuers took part in the rescue.

By 5:30 a.m., additional rescuers had reached the scene and were able to start the 3.2-mile carry-out to Coppermine Road. The rescue party reached the trailhead just before 9 a.m. and was met by the assistant Medical Examiner.

It was apparent the man had suffered a significant fall in icy terrain. He was wearing microspikes and was well-equipped with equipment for a hike.

Conservation officers identified the hiker as Christopher Huyler, 44, of Littleton. Huyler is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys New Hampshire’s White Mountains in all seasons.

Winter conditions have arrived in the mountains, and hikers are encouraged to be prepared for their trek by packing the ten essential items: a map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife.

For additional information, visit hikeSafe.com.