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FatalityOutcome: FatalHypothermia

Fatality — Mount Lafayette, Mar 22, 2004

·Mount Lafayette·Greenleaf Trail / Old Bridle Path

43-year-old engineer from Andover, MA · party of 2

Brenda Cox, 43, and her husband Russell summited Mount Lafayette on March 21, 2004 despite warnings from descending hikers about deteriorating weather. Caught in a whiteout, they took the wrong trail on descent and were stranded two nights above treeline. Per the American Alpine Club analysis, 'sometime during the night, Mrs. Cox slipped into hypothermia and died.' Her husband survived and was airlifted out the next morning. AAC cited failure to turn back, failure to follow the planned route, and inadequate clothing for a forecast winter storm.

What we can learn

AAC report flags three compounding decisions: ignoring on-trail warnings from descending hikers, continuing to summit into a known incoming storm, and a winter gear loadout insufficient for an unplanned overnight above treeline.

Contributing factors

Inadequate clothingWeather window missed
Before you head out: check the forecast, carry the Ten Essentials, leave your plans with someone, and be willing to turn back. See current conditions →

Other recorded incidents on Mount Lafayette

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