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FatalityOutcome: FatalHypothermia

Fatality — Mount Washington, Feb 26, 1994

·Mount Washington

28-year-old from River Vale, NJ · party of 2

Eric Lattey, 28, and his partner Monroe Couper left the Harvard Cabin late on February 26, 1994 (returning for a forgotten rope) to climb Pinnacle Gully. Last seen high on the route at ~5 p.m., they were stopped by 90+ mph winds and -18°F cold. Without sleeping bags or food (only a stove), they died of hypothermia in an emergency bivouac at the edge of the Alpine Garden; bodies found February 28.

Contributing factors

Late startIgnored forecastNo emergency shelterNovice in winter terrain
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 Washington

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