Boston Hiker Rescued In New Hampshire, From Mount Osceola Trail, After Lower Leg Injury

LIVERMORE, NH — A hiker from Boston was successfully rescued from the Mount Osceola trail Saturday night after suffering a lower leg injury that left her unable to walk.

New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers were alerted to the situation at approximately 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, with reports of an injured hiker not far from the summit. The injured party was identified as Rosalie Doerksen, a 28-year-old from Boston, Massachusetts.

Conservation Officers, along with volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team, swiftly mobilized and responded to the trailhead on Tripoli Road.

The initial rescue team began their ascent by 4:30 p.m., reaching Ms. Doerksen around 6 p.m. Rescuers packaged the injured hiker into a specialized litter, and the challenging 2.7-mile carryout began at 6:35 p.m. More than 20 people were involved in the rescue operation, navigating the difficult terrain in the dark. The extensive rescue party successfully reached the trailhead at 10:15 p.m.

Doerksen was met by an ambulance from the Waterville Valley Department of Safety and was transported to Speare Memorial Hospital for treatment and evaluation.

Following the successful operation, New Hampshire Fish and Game took the opportunity to issue a reminder to all outdoor enthusiasts. They urged hikers to be prepared and use caution while on the trails, emphasizing the importance of packing the 10 Essentials, even for a day hike.

For more information on safe hiking practices in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the public is encouraged to visit hikesafe.com.