All incidents
RescueOutcome: Rescued by SARMedical

Rescue — Kinsman Ridge Trail / Greenleaf Trail, Jul 31, 2025

·Kinsman Ridge Trail / Greenleaf Trail

Two hikers: Patricia Dewey, 66, of Thetford, VT (lower-leg injury from fall on Kinsman Ridge Trail); Damon Howard, 78, of Fair Haven, MA (medical emergency on Greenleaf Trail)

On July 31, 2025, two separate rescue incidents occurred in Franconia Notch. Patricia Dewey, 66, fell on the Kinsman Ridge Trail suffering a lower-leg injury and was carried out by rescuers to be transported to Littleton Regional Hospital. Separately, Damon Howard, 78, suffered a medical emergency approximately 0.75 miles up the Greenleaf Trail and was carried out by rescuers and taken for further medical treatment by his hiking partners.

What we can learn

Fish and Game reminded hikers to bring the ten essential items: warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, knife, map and compass.

Before you head out: check the forecast, carry the Ten Essentials, leave your plans with someone, and be willing to turn back.

Part of the WMNF Hiker Incident Database. Every entry cites a primary or near-primary source; details are refined as the record is reviewed.