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.
Perrault collapsed while hiking alone on the Valley Way Trail in Low and Burbanks Grant; bystanders found him unresponsive, called 911, and began CPR. An Army National Guard Black Hawk picked him up around 3:15 p.m. and flew him to a waiting ambulance, but he died.
On October 19, 2024, a 58-year-old hiker from Montreal, QC suffered a fatal medical emergency on the Piper Trail on Mt. Chocorua, approximately 2.0 miles from the trailhead. Family members and passing hikers with medical experience assisted him, and CPR was performed for over an hour, but the efforts were unsuccessful.
·Kinsman Ridge (between North and South Peaks)·Kinsman Ridge Trail
FatalityMedical
52-year-old male from Topsfield, MA
On August 6, 2024, a 52-year-old male hiker suffered a medical emergency on the Kinsman Ridge Trail between the North and South Peaks of Kinsman Mountain, approximately 4 miles from the nearest trailhead. Family members and Good Samaritan hikers began life-saving measures until NH Army National Guard Blackhawk medics arrived and transported him to a waiting ambulance. The hiker succumbed to his medical emergency.
Jason Apreku, 21, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, collapsed from an unknown medical emergency while hiking with friends on the Osgood Trail toward Mt. Madison on August 11, 2023 at approximately 4:30 p.m. CPR and AED efforts were performed for multiple hours by friends, AMC personnel, and rescue teams, and a National Guard helicopter was unable to reach him due to extreme wind gusts up to 90 mph and low cloud cover. Apreku was pronounced dead on scene and his body was carried to Madison Spring Hut overnight, then airlifted off the mountain the morning of August 12.
·Black Cap
FatalityMedical
59-year-old male hiker
On July 2, 2023, a 59-year-old hiker suffered a fatal medical emergency near the summit of Black Cap while hiking with family. Family members attempted life-saving measures but he passed away on scene. Rescuers carried him out to the trailhead, approximately one mile, arriving around 9:30 p.m.
·No specific peak·Little East Pond Trail
FatalityMedical
59-year-old male hiker from Lancaster, NH (Donald Frenette)
On June 4, 2023, a 59-year-old male hiker collapsed on the Little East Pond Trail in Livermore approximately 45 minutes after departing the trailhead. His hiking partner called 911 and began life-saving measures; a US Forest Service Backcountry Forest Manager also assisted. Despite resuscitation efforts by multiple responding agencies, the hiker was pronounced dead at the scene and carried out 1.5 miles to the trailhead.
Around 12:30 p.m. Saturday July 24, 2021, a 911 call reported an unconscious, non-breathing hiker on the Signal Ridge Trail about 4 miles from the trailhead. He had collapsed while hiking with a female companion; bystanders performed CPR but he was pronounced dead by EMS. Due to the remote, steep terrain his body did not reach the trailhead until 9:30 p.m.
William Whittenaur, 69, of Lancaster, New Hampshire
Whittenaur suffered a medical emergency while ascending the Blue Trail toward Mount Cabot on June 14, 2019. His companion performed CPR for an extended period before running over a mile to reach a phone; despite the response by Gorham Ambulance, Shelburne firefighters, and conservation officers (who relayed a litter, oxygen, and an AED), Whittenaur did not survive.
·Mount Washington·Tuckerman Ravine Trail (above the junction with Lion Head Trail)
FatalityMedical
Sandra Lee, 63, of Mount Tabor, New Jersey
While ascending the Tuckerman Ravine Trail toward the summit on June 13, 2019, Lee showed signs of hypothermia and could no longer move on her own. Per NH Fish and Game, conditions on the summit were 'below freezing with a wind-chill of 12 degrees Fahrenheit, 60 mph sustaining winds while rain and dense fog created ice.' Conservation officers carried her about 0.2 miles to the Auto Road and she was taken by ambulance to Androscoggin Valley Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Inadequate clothing
·Mount Washington·Lion Head Trail (~2.5 miles from Pinkham Notch Visitor Center)
FatalityMedical
Rolf Diamon, 66, of Windham, Maine
Diamon was ascending the Lion Head Trail with his son on the morning of September 16, 2017, when he became ill and collapsed. His son and other hikers performed CPR, and a National Guard Black Hawk hoisted him off the mountain, but he died despite resuscitation efforts.
Gregory Larson, 63, collapsed of cardiac arrest near the summit of Mount Jefferson on the Caps Ridge Trail on August 29, 2014 while hiking with the Denmark Mountain Hikers group. Companions — many trained in wilderness first aid — performed CPR for about two and a half hours. A National Guard helicopter hoisted him out, but he died during the rescue effort.
·No specific peak·Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail
FatalityMedical
69-year-old male physician from Kennebunkport, ME
Dr. Robert Fernandez, 69, collapsed and died while descending the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail alone on the evening of October 12, 2013, around 9:30 p.m. Two other hikers who had joined him performed CPR and called 911, but resuscitation efforts by EMS and a paramedic were unsuccessful. His body was carried out to the parking area by responding agencies.
Solo
·No specific peak·Ripley Falls Trail
FatalityMedical
60-year-old male from South Dennis, Massachusetts (James Byrne)
A 60-year-old Massachusetts man, later identified as James Byrne, became unresponsive approximately one-half mile up the Ripley Falls Trail in Hart's Location on October 12, 2013. CPR was attempted by his companion and volunteers but was unsuccessful. Rescuers carried him out by litter and he was pronounced dead; exact cause of death was not determined.
Richard Thaler, 49, died of a heart attack on the King Ravine Trail on Mount Adams in September 1972.
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