RescueOutcome: Rescued by SARFall
Rescue — Franconia Ridge, Sep 18, 2012
·Franconia Ridge·Franconia Ridge Trail
59-year-old male from Northville, Michigan
Edward Bacon, 59, fell and seriously injured his hip on the Franconia Ridge Trail on the third day of a solo five-day trek. He crawled to an area with cell reception and called for help, sheltering in his sleeping bag as he became hypothermic; his tent had blown away in high winds. Rescuers carried him out over 3.9 miles in sustained 70 mph winds and torrential rain, reaching the trailhead at 3:20 a.m. on September 19.
What we can learn
Hikers are advised to carry lights, extra clothing and appropriate gear for a variety of weather conditions, especially at higher altitudes, and to check and heed weather forecasts before heading out.
Contributing factors
SoloInadequate clothingIgnored forecast