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RescueOutcome: Rescued by SARHypothermia

Rescue — Mount Washington, Jun 13, 2019

·Mount Washington·Lion Head Trail (found above the Alpine Garden Trail junction)

James Clark, 80, of Dublin, Ohio · party of 3

Clark was left to hike at his own pace while two family members summited and descended a different trail; he was reported overdue at about 7:45 p.m. on June 13, 2019, with no overnight gear, cellphone, or light. Rescuers found him on the Lion Head Trail in a fetal position with hypothermia, warmed him, and carried him about 1.7 miles to the Auto Road by 5 a.m.; he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

What we can learn

NH Fish and Game confirmed a billing/negligence review and planned to bill Clark roughly $2,400 for the overnight rescue. Lt. Mark Ober's takeaway: 'This probably wouldn't have happened if the group had stayed together.'

Contributing factors

No headlampNo emergency shelterInadequate clothing
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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.