A searchable record of fatalities, rescues, and search-and-rescue missions in the White Mountain National Forest, drawn from NH Fish and Game press releases, the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, and major regional outlets quoting agency statements.
Compiled and maintained by Nick Dube, NH 48 finisher and longtime White Mountains hiker · updated daily from NH Fish & Game. Modern-era (2015+) figures best represent current risk — the deep historical record skews fatal because routine rescues weren’t archived the way deaths were.
404
Total incidents
Documented since 1849
248
Survived
Self-rescued or rescued by SAR
150
Fatal
6 missing, never found
89%
Survival rate · 2015+
262 modern incidents
This database is a work in progress. We’re actively reviewing sources and adding incidents, so counts will grow and details may be refined over time.
Before you go: the Hiker Responsibility Code
Nearly every incident in this database was survivable — and many were preventable. You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:
1.With knowledge and gear
2.To leave your plans
3.To stay together
4.To turn back
5.For emergencies
6.To share the hiker code with others
Check the current conditions before any hike, carry the Ten Essentials, start early, and turn around when weather or daylight runs short.
The long record
Documented incidents by decade. Survived rescues in forest green, fatalities in alert red. Hover a decade for its breakdown, or a year marker for the milestone. The pre-2015 period skews fatal not because the backcountry was deadlier then, but because rescues are not archived the way deaths are.
1849
1901
1954
1982
2015
SurvivedFatalMissing or unknown
When incidents happen
Documented incidents by month. Darker = more. Incidents cluster in July; winter incidents skew toward ice and traction, summer toward heat and exhaustion.
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Survived
5
16
12
15
25
29
39
33
27
25
11
11
Fatal
18
15
16
12
11
14
10
14
12
13
7
5
Based on incidents with a known date. Use it to plan the season — not to assume any month is “safe.”
What goes wrong
Primary cause of each incident, split by outcome. Click a row to filter the database below.
Incidents mapped to the peak they’re linked to — bigger, redder circles mean more incidents and a higher fatal share. Click a peak to see its record.
Only incidents linked to a specific peak appear here; trail- or region-only reports are in the database below.
The playbook
What works · what gets people out alive
The bulk of WMNF backcountry incidents end in successful rescue. NH Fish and Game handles 200+ a year statewide; what follows is what the documented modern record (2015+) shows about the patterns that get people home.
Bailey, hiking out alone after a night at Guyot Shelter, slipped and fell on a steep descent of the Bondcliff Trail, injuring his leg about 7.5 miles into the backcountry. He texted NH 911 and was hoisted out by an Army National Guard Black Hawk and flown to Dartmouth Hitchcock. Fish and Game noted he was well-prepared.
Lesson · Hikers are encouraged to be prepared for their trek by packing the ten essential items: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife.
Susan Kuruvilla, 71, of Pennsylvania; Mini Kuruvilla, 52, of Texas; Joel Mathew, 21, of Connecticut
Three hikers started the Franconia Ridge Loop at 9:00 a.m. on May 11, 2026, and by 9:00 p.m. found themselves approximately 2 miles from the trailhead with no lights and unable to locate the trail as temperatures dropped into the low 20s. Conservation Officers hiked up the Old Bridle Path, located the group, provided lights, and assisted them back to the trailhead at 2:00 a.m. on May 12.
Lesson · NH Fish and Game reminded hikers that it is still winter in the mountains with snow, wind, and freezing temperatures, and to bring at least the 10 essentials on any hike.
Two female hikers, ages 38 and 43, from Quebec, Canada
On April 27, 2026, Jessica Fournier-Chartrand (38) and Annie Petrin (43) became disoriented on the Franconia Ridge Trail between Mount Liberty and Little Haystack Mountain due to fading light and knee-deep snow. They called for help while navigating with the AllTrails app, which they reported contributed to their confusion. Two conservation officers reached the pair at 11:15 p.m. and assisted them down 2.2 miles of steep icy trail, exiting at 2:22 a.m. on April 28 without injuries.
Lesson · New Hampshire Fish and Game reminded everyone that winter conditions still exist in the White Mountains and directed hikers to hikesafe.com for safe hiking tips and essential gear information.
56-year-old male from North Reading, Massachusetts
Jonathan Gullotti, 56, left the Glen Boulder trailhead at approximately 8:45 a.m. on April 20, 2026, became caught in a snowstorm, made several wrong turns, and ended up on the Rocky Branch Trail. He called for help after realizing he was lost and needed directions out. Conservation Officers and US Forest Service members drove to within approximately 2 miles of Gullotti and directed him out by approximately 7:40 p.m.
Lesson · Hikers are reminded that spring conditions in the mountains can change quickly and preparation is important; having the 10 essentials, including a map, can greatly improve the outcome of a mountain trip.
Joshua Donovan, 20, and his sister Alyssa Donovan, 18, both from Lawrence, Massachusetts
Joshua Donovan (20) and Alyssa Donovan (18) became lost off the Brook Trail on Mt. Chocorua while descending from near the summit. Joshua sustained a hip injury after falling multiple times while following the brook attempting to self-rescue. Rescuers located them at 10:40 p.m. a short distance from the Brook Trail and assisted them out by 11:45 p.m.
Christine Beaulieu, 37, became stranded off trail in darkness after losing the trail due to lack of a headlamp. She followed the Ellis River downstream, fell in, became soaking wet, lost a shoe, and was stuck on the opposite bank from the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. Rescuers located her around 1:20 a.m. and assisted her back across the river and down to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.
Lesson
New Hampshire Fish and Game reminds hikers to prepare themselves before venturing out into the wilderness, including packing the ten essential items: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife.
60-year-old Alain Dion and 46-year-old Nadine Dion of Quebec, Canada
Two Canadian hikers on the Caps Ridge Trail to Mt. Jefferson became lost, ran out of water, and grew tired on July 24, 2024. After an initial 911 call around 5:40 p.m., they attempted to self-rescue but called again at 8:58 p.m. when one became ill and they could not continue. Three Conservation Officers responded and assisted the hikers down to their vehicle, providing food, water, and headlamps.
On May 30, 2024, Eileen Centofanti, 62, went off trail while hiking Iron Mountain alone and became lost over a mile from the Iron Mountain Trail. She was able to place a 911 call despite poor cell service, and a Conservation Officer hiked in to her location via a gated Forest Service road. Centofanti was uninjured and hiked out under her own power, reaching the officer's vehicle shortly before 7:00 p.m.
Thomas Damiano, 81, became lost near the Highwater Trail in Bean's Purchase after trails were obscured by washouts and severe weather, leaving him fatigued after hours of bushwhacking. Swollen river conditions made self-rescue risky. Conservation Officer Holmes and a volunteer used an ATV, forded the Wild River, and located Damiano near the riverbank, assisting him out safely.
Lesson
When he knew that his personal limits had been reached, he called for help instead of putting himself in a bad situation.
Off trail
·No specific peak·Rocky Branch Trail
RescueLost
Two hikers; Tara O'Shea, 51, of Middleton, MA, with a leg injury, and an unnamed companion
On May 25, 2024, two hikers became lost off trail in Jackson, NH on the Rocky Branch Trail. One hiker, Tara O'Shea, sustained a leg injury, and her phone battery died during the 911 call. Conservation Officers located the pair at 11:08 p.m. and assisted them out to the trailhead by 12:40 a.m.; O'Shea was transported to Memorial Hospital in Conway for treatment.
Lesson
New Hampshire Fish and Game reminds hikers to prepare before venturing into the wilderness, including packing the ten essential items: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife.
Off trailPhone battery died
·Mount Eisenhower·Crawford Path / Edmands Path / Mt. Clinton Road
SAR (no subject found)Lost
William Donovan, Massachusetts man
William Donovan, a Massachusetts man, went missing in the area between Mt. Eisenhower and Mt. Pierce. An extensive search on May 3, 2024 involving conservation officers, multiple volunteer SAR teams, K9 units, drones, and a NH Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter found no sign of him. Future searches were to be determined based on additional information.
·No specific peak·Buttress Trail
RescueLost
38-year-old male hiker from Farmington, NH
William Morin, 38, began a northern presidential traverse on Monday and became disoriented, ending up off trail on the steep slopes of the Great Gulf after taking the seldom-used and poorly marked Buttress Trail. Rainy weather and deep snow soaked all his clothing and gear, and he had not been heard from in over 30 hours when rescue was initiated. A Conservation Officer and AVSAR member located him at the edge of the Peabody River in his tent at 6:00 p.m. and guided him out to the trailhead by 10:00 p.m.
Off trailWeather window missedInadequate clothing
·No specific peak·Eastside Trail
RescueLost
Male ultra-runner from Wilmot, NH
On April 26, 2024, ultra-runner Chris Naimie became overdue on a 26-mile loop run in the Pemigewasset Wilderness after losing his light source and being unable to navigate in the dark. The run took longer than expected due to trail conditions including snow and slush. A Conservation Officer located him uninjured along the Eastside Trail via ATV at approximately 8:30 p.m.
Lesson
NH Fish and Game reminded outdoor enthusiasts that winter conditions persist in some areas and advised packing the ten essential items including a headlamp before venturing into the wilderness.
No headlampUnderestimated distanceInadequate clothing
Frequently asked questions
How many hiking deaths and rescues are documented in the White Mountains?+
This database documents 404 incidents in the White Mountain National Forest — including 150 fatalities — dating back to 1849. It is not a complete tally of every rescue: NH Fish and Game responds to roughly 200 backcountry incidents a year statewide. It captures the documented fatality record plus a growing, primary-sourced sample of rescues, updated daily.
What is the most common cause of hiking incidents in the White Mountains?+
In this dataset, the most frequently recorded primary factor is fall, in 176 incidents. Getting lost, falls, hypothermia, and underestimating the terrain recur throughout the record — and most are preventable with preparation.
Which White Mountain peak has the most recorded incidents?+
Mount Washington has the most recorded incidents in this database (137). Higher counts reflect both terrain and popularity — the busiest, most exposed peaks generate the most calls, so this is not a pure measure of danger.
Is Mount Washington dangerous to hike?+
Mount Washington and the Presidential Range pair some of the world's most extreme, fast-changing weather with miles of exposure above treeline. The documented record shows hypothermia, falls, and getting lost as recurring factors — even in summer. It is regularly hiked safely, but it demands real preparation: check the Higher Summits Forecast, carry layers and traction, and be willing to turn back.
How can I avoid needing a search and rescue?+
Follow the hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code — you are responsible for yourself, so be prepared: (1) with knowledge and gear, (2) to leave your plans, (3) to stay together, (4) to turn back, (5) for emergencies, and (6) to share the hiker code with others. Check the forecast, carry the Ten Essentials, start early, and turn around when conditions or daylight run short.
Where does this data come from, and can I cite it?+
Every entry is drawn from a primary or near-primary source — NH Fish and Game press releases, the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, the American Alpine Club accident archive, or major regional outlets quoting agency statements — and the database updates daily from new NH Fish and Game releases. You're welcome to cite it; a suggested citation and a downloadable CSV are at the bottom of this page.
About this dataset
This database contains 404 documented incidents in the White Mountain National Forest. Each row is sourced from a primary or near-primary report — NH Fish and Game press releases, the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, the American Alpine Club's accident archive, or major regional outlets quoting agency statements.
The rescue-to-fatality ratio shown here is not the WMNF safety ratio. Fatalities have been consistently archived since the 19th century; routine rescues have not. NH Fish and Game handles roughly 200 backcountry incidents a year statewide — this database currently captures a fraction of them in detail, alongside the historical fatality record. Modern-era (2015+) figures are the most representative.
Every entry is a real person and a real event. We publish them as a public-safety resource, not as a memorial leaderboard. Names appear only when published in the cited source. If you are a family member and would like an entry adjusted or removed, contact us via the site footer.
Citing this data: HikerNerd. (2026). White Mountain National Forest Hiker Incident Database. https://hikernerd.com/safety/incidents