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Body recoveryOutcome: FatalOther

Body recovery — Wild River Trail / Spruce Brook Tent site, May 27, 2021

·Wild River Trail / Spruce Brook Tent site

Edward Murphy, 50, of Sandown, NH

Murphy was on a multi-day hike in the Wild River Wilderness due to finish Wednesday May 26, 2021. When overdue, a search began Thursday May 27 and his body was found around 7:30 p.m. that day at the Spruce Brook Tent site. NHFG said he was killed when a tree to which he had attached his sleeping hammock fell and struck him, stating 'all indications point to this being a tragic accident.' Unusual non-locomotion fatality at a backcountry campsite.

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.