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.
On November 12, 2024, hiker Richard Goss, 71, suffered a knee injury near Diana's Bath in Bartlett, NH and required assistance. Conservation Officers, Bartlett/Jackson Ambulance Service, and US Forest Service responded, stabilized his knee, and carried him out by litter to the trailhead. He was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in North Conway for treatment.
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.
On October 16, 2024, Diane Dempster, 61, injured her ankle while hiking the Mt. Roberts Trail near Castle in the Clouds and was unable to continue. She was over 1.5 miles from the trailhead and called 911 with two friends present. Rescuers packaged her in a litter, carried her to a UTV, and transported her to the trailhead by approximately 4:00 p.m., after which she was taken by ambulance to Lakes Region General Hospital.
Calie Bridges, 25, injured her ankle while hiking the Hammond Trail on Mt. Chocorua with three friends on September 27, 2024. She continued hiking but slowed significantly, and the group called for help when their phone batteries and lights began failing. Conservation Officers splinted her ankle, provided lights, and she was able to hike out, reaching the trailhead shortly after 3:30 a.m.
Rink Dickinson, 66, suffered a serious lower leg injury while hiking on the Mt. Tecumseh Trail on September 22, 2024. He was unable to continue descending despite assistance from his hiking partner. First responders from Waterville Valley and NH Fish and Game, aided by seven Good Samaritan hikers, carried him in a litter to a UTV and transported him to a waiting ambulance, which took him to Speare Memorial Hospital.
Lesson
Conservation Officers remind people to be aware of changing temperatures and shortening periods of daylight, as complications in any outdoor activity can lead to serious and even deadly situations in the mountains.
Siano, a chaperone for a Boy Scout troop ascending the Flume Slide Trail, began having difficulty near Mt. Flume and then a medical emergency on descent near Mount Liberty. An Army National Guard Black Hawk hoisted him near Liberty's summit around 4:50 p.m. and flew him to Dartmouth Hitchcock.
Lesson
NH Fish and Game reminds hikers to prepare themselves before venturing out into the wilderness, including packing the ten essential items.
On September 11, 2024, Leonard Laky, 63, was found unconscious on the Mount Monroe Loop Trail approximately 0.2 miles north of the summit of Mt. Monroe. AMC hut personnel, a medical doctor, and Baltimore City Fire Department personnel rendered aid and carried him to Lakes of the Clouds Hut. An Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter transported him to Dartmouth Hitchcock Memorial Hospital; the cause of his condition—whether a fall with head injury or another medical emergency—was unclear at time of release.
Solo
·No specific peak·Old Bridle Path
RescueMedical
Nadia Boyce, 38, of Maple Shade, New Jersey
Boyce suffered a medical event leading to a lower-leg injury near the end of the Falling Waters/Bridle Path loop, about a mile from the trailhead. Rescuers and Good Samaritans carried her out, reaching the trailhead at 10:30 p.m.
·West Rattlesnake Mountain·Pasture Trail
RescueMedical
Elizabeth Gerlach of Newton, MA
On August 30, 2024, hiker Elizabeth Gerlach was found approximately 0.5 miles from the trailhead on the Pasture Trail on West Rattlesnake Mountain with an injured ankle. She was treated and carried out in a litter by multiple fire-rescue departments and NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers. She was transported to Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth.
·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.
·No specific peak·Rob Brook Trail
RescueMedical
Male ultra-marathon runner from Armonk, NY
Joseph Cloidt activated his Garmin inReach SOS at approximately 6:30 p.m. on July 19, 2024, during the Jigger Johnson Ultra 108-mile foot race, due to debilitating cramps that left him unable to walk for about three hours. Conservation Officers responded but could not locate him. Fellow race participants found him and transported him to Route 112 in Albany, and he arrived at the Command Site at 10:05 p.m.
Justason, a solo hiker, began feeling ill (apparent heat-related issues) descending the Hancock Loop Trail. Pemi Valley Search and Rescue volunteers reached her 2 miles up, provided food and water, and helped her to the trailhead.
Revellie suffered a heat-related medical emergency atop Mount Lafayette. AMC Greenleaf Hut staff brought food, water, and electrolytes; his condition improved enough to walk to the hut, and he hiked out the next day.
Lesson
Fish and Game reminded hikers to prepare for hot, humid weather.
Solo
·No specific peak·Lonesome Lake Trail
RescueMedical
15-year-old male
A 15-year-old experienced a medical emergency on the Lonesome Lake Trail and was carried out by State Park staff. One of three back-to-back Fish and Game rescue calls in Franconia on July 4.
·No specific peak·Webster-Jackson Trail (Jackson Branch)
RescueMedical
James Fosnock, 70, of Wakefield, MA
On June 29, 2024, a Garmin inReach SOS was activated on the Jackson Branch of the Webster-Jackson Trail for James Fosnock, 70, who was too weak and exhausted to continue approximately 1.8 miles up the trail. Conservation Officers hiked up in torrential rain, provided food, hydration, and a headlamp, and assisted Fosnock down over 6.5 hours, reaching the trailhead at 2:00 a.m. on June 30. Fosnock had not hiked in several years and was not physically prepared for the hike.
Lesson
NH Fish and Game reminds hikers that preparation includes being physically prepared for the rigorous nature of a hike, knowing their limitations, and turning around before problems arise.
On June 10, 2024, Laura Miller, 20, injured her ankle approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead on the Kearsarge North Trail while hiking with a group. Group members applied first aid but she was unable to continue on her own. Conservation Officers, Bartlett/Jackson Ambulance Service, and Lakes Region Search and Rescue carried her out in a litter, arriving at the trailhead before 7:30 p.m.; she was transported to Memorial Hospital in North Conway.
·No specific peak·Falling Waters Trail
RescueMedical
25-year-old male from Manchester, NH
Jacob Winn, 25, suffered a potentially life-threatening medical emergency approximately 2.3 miles up Falling Waters Trail while hiking the Franconia Ridge Loop with his father. His father called 911 and the NH Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopter extracted Winn via jungle penetrator at approximately 11:30 a.m. Winn was transported to Dartmouth Health in Lebanon for further evaluation and treatment.
·No specific peak·Arethusa Falls Trail
RescueMedical
68-year-old male from Beaconsfield, QC, Canada
Ian Ramsay, 68, was hiking alone on the Arethusa Falls Trail when he injured his hip a short distance from Arethusa Falls and was unable to bear weight on his leg. Passing hikers called for help on his behalf due to limited cell service in the area. Rescuers carried him approximately 1.5 miles in a litter to the trailhead, where he was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in North Conway.
Solo
·No specific peak·Fishin' Jimmy Trail
RescueMedical
44-year-old female from Montreal, QC
Caroline Gauthier, 44, suffered a lower-leg injury approximately 3 miles from the Lonesome Lake trailhead while hiking the Kinsman Ridge with three companions on May 19, 2024. The group attempted self-rescue but called for assistance; an AMC hut caretaker and a Good Samaritan EMT hiker provided initial aid. Rescuers from Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue and NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers carried her out via litter, reaching the trailhead at 7:45 p.m.
Lesson
Conservation Officers remind hikers to review the Hike Safe code and pack the 10 Essentials before any outing, noting that unforeseen problems can occur to even the most experienced hikers and being properly prepared can help prevent situations from becoming dire.
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