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 October 18, 2025, Jennifer Schanke, 39, sustained an ankle injury on the UNH Trail on Hedgehog Mountain and was unable to walk. Her companion hiked out to find cell service and called 911. Fish and Game Conservation Officers and Lakes Region Search and Rescue carried Schanke out to the trailhead by 5:30 p.m.
On October 7, 2025, William Rose, 47, suffered a leg injury on the Dickey Mountain Trail approximately 1.2 miles from the trailhead. Rescuers from Campton/Thornton Fire Department, NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers, and Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team responded. He was carried out via rescue wheel litter and transported to Speare Memorial Hospital.
Lesson
NH Fish and Game urges hikers to be prepared and to use caution while hiking, and recommends packing the 10 Essentials even on a day hike.
On the evening of October 5, 2025, a 14-year-old female hiker injured her lower leg while descending a service trail adjacent to the Cog Railway tracks on Mt. Washington, approximately 2 miles from the Base Station. Conservation Officers responded via ATVs and made contact with the two hikers at approximately 9:45 p.m. Both hikers were transported down the mountain by ATV and arrived safely at the roadside at 10:15 p.m.
Lesson
Both hikers were advised regarding improved trip planning and preparedness prior to leaving.
On October 4, 2025, Rosalie Doerksen, 28, of Boston, MA suffered a lower leg injury near the summit of Mount Osceola that prevented her from continuing. Conservation Officers and Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team volunteers conducted a 2.7-mile litter carryout, reaching the trailhead at 10:15 p.m. She was transported to Speare Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Lesson
NH Fish and Game urges hikers to be prepared, use caution, and pack the 10 Essentials even on a day hike.
Richard Crooks, 74, began experiencing severe cramps in his legs and arms while returning from the summit of South Moat Mountain on September 26, 2025. His hiking partner attempted to rehydrate him for nearly an hour without success before calling 911, with the pair located over two miles from the trailhead. Rescuers carried Crooks out in a litter; he arrived at the trailhead shortly after 9:00 p.m. and was transported by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in North Conway.
On September 13, 2025, a 70-year-old man suffered an unknown medical emergency and collapsed on the Pine Mountain Trail in Gorham, NH, approximately 0.3 miles from the Horton Center. His hiking party performed CPR and retrieved an AED from the Horton Center; he was resuscitated and became semi-conscious by approximately 9:50 a.m. He was carried out by litter, transported to Gorham Airport, and flown by Life Flight of Maine helicopter to Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, ME.
Sandra Rourke, 76, injured her knee while descending the Liberty Trail on Mt. Chocorua on September 12, 2025, approximately 2.2 miles from the trailhead. She had ascended via the Champney Falls Trail and summited before the injury occurred. Fish and Game Conservation Officers and Lakes Region Search and Rescue carried her out in a rescue litter, arriving at the trailhead at 12:15 a.m. on September 13.
On September 4, 2025, Renee Cushman, 45, called 911 at approximately 4:30 p.m. after suffering a medical condition on the Dicey's Mill Trail on Mt. Whiteface, approximately 2.2 miles from the trailhead. She had started hiking around 10:00 a.m. and had already summited. Rescuers from Fish and Game, Sandwich and Tamworth Fire Departments, and LRSAR assisted her back to the trailhead, arriving at 6:28 p.m.
Viruet experienced an unknown medical event that left him unable to move; temperatures were around 40°F with wind-driven light rain. His companions and State Park staff assisted him along the Alpine Garden Trail to the Auto Road, where a conservation officer relayed him down; he was evaluated by Gorham Ambulance.
Lesson
Hikers are reminded that weather in the White Mountains is beginning to change rapidly, with wind chills already below freezing above tree line, and are urged to prepare for winter conditions and to alter their plans when weather conditions dictate.
On the morning of August 20, 2025, a sick hiker named William Robertson, 66, was found at Hermit Lake Shelter on Mt. Washington experiencing symptoms that made it unsafe to hike out unassisted. Conservation Officers responded with ATVs and transported Robertson down the Sherburne Ski Trail to the AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. He was then taken to Memorial Hospital in North Conway for further evaluation and treatment.
·No specific peak
RescueMedical
Torulf Hinckley, 24, of Chicago, IL
On August 17, 2025, Torulf Hinckley, 24, suffered a medical episode overnight while camping at the RMC Perch Shelter, 3.6 miles from the nearest road. An Army National Guard helicopter arrived at noon and hoisted Hinckley, his father (a medical doctor), and a paramedic to safety. He was flown to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin.
·No specific peak·Crawford Path
RescueMedical
73-year-old male from Pembroke, MA
Thomas Pratt, 73, began suffering from an unknown medical condition approximately 1.3 miles up the Crawford Path while hiking with his two grandsons toward Mizpah Hut. Conservation Officers, EMS personnel, PEMI SAR volunteers, and an AMC staff member responded; after rest and rehydration Pratt was able to hike out with assistance. He was transported to Littleton Regional Healthcare for further evaluation.
·No specific peak·Sawyer River Trail
RescueMedical
48-year-old male participant in the Jigger Johnson Ultra 100-mile footrace
On August 16, 2025, a 48-year-old male participant in the Jigger Johnson Ultra 100-mile footrace sent a satellite 911 text reporting a medical emergency near the Sawyer River Trail in the White Mountain National Forest. He was suffering from heat exhaustion-type signs and symptoms. He was able to make it unassisted to the Sawyer River Trailhead check station on Route 112, where he was contacted by a Conservation Officer and dropped out of the race.
·No specific peak·Gale River Trail
RescueMedical
51-year-old male hiker from Endicott, NY, hiking the Pemi-loop with his adult son
Darin White, 51, activated his Garmin inReach SOS on day two of a planned 4-day Pemi-loop hike after suffering from exhaustion and dehydration near Garfield Ridge. Conservation Officers responded via Gale River Trail with ATVs and met White at 5:41 p.m. after he continued hiking down on his own, then transported him out and relayed him to his vehicle at Lincoln Woods Trailhead.
Lesson
Hikers should be prepared to hike shorter, less strenuous trips in extreme heat and humidity; dehydration can occur even when drinking seemingly adequate volumes of water; always have a plan for self-rescue and know your limits.
Ignored forecastUnderestimated distance
·No specific peak·Kinsman Ridge Trail / Greenleaf Trail
RescueMedical
Two hikers: Patricia Dewey, 66, of Thetford, VT (lower-leg injury from fall on Kinsman Ridge Trail); Damon Howard, 78, of Fair Haven, MA (medical emergency on Greenleaf Trail)
On July 31, 2025, two separate rescue incidents occurred in Franconia Notch. Patricia Dewey, 66, fell on the Kinsman Ridge Trail suffering a lower-leg injury and was carried out by rescuers to be transported to Littleton Regional Hospital. Separately, Damon Howard, 78, suffered a medical emergency approximately 0.75 miles up the Greenleaf Trail and was carried out by rescuers and taken for further medical treatment by his hiking partners.
Lesson
Fish and Game reminded hikers to bring the ten essential items: warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, knife, map and compass.
On July 30, 2025, a 16-year-old boy experienced an anaphylactic reaction after inadvertently consuming an allergen while at the Lake of the Clouds AMC Hut on Mt. Washington. AMC staff administered epinephrine and monitored the patient while Fish and Game coordinated a helicopter response. The DHART helicopter landed at the hut at 5:17 p.m. and transported the patient to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center by 5:28 p.m.
Christopher Ricca, 43, of Kingston, NH, began suffering from heat-related illness on Wednesday evening while hiking the Pemi Loop between Mt. Liberty and Mt. Flume with his nephew. His nephew hiked out via the Osseo Trail to summon help while Ricca attempted to continue on his own. Conservation Officers and PVSAR members reached Ricca at the summit of Mt. Flume and carried him out via the Osseo Trail, with Ricca reaching the parking lot at approximately 6:20 p.m. on July 17, 2025.
Lesson
In humidity and heat it is important to hydrate not just with water but with electrolytes so your body can properly maintain homeostasis; hikers should prepare accordingly and pack the ten essential items.
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 June 12, 2025, Calvin Swanson, 21, of Plymouth, NH, injured his leg while descending Cannon Mountain on the Kinsman Ridge Trail after summiting with a friend. A trail crew located and stayed with Swanson until Conservation Officers and Pemi Valley Search and Rescue arrived and carried him out in a litter. He was transported by family to Littleton Regional Hospital for further treatment.
Lesson
All 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.
On the evening of June 12, 2025, Nadia Ouellette, 43, was found exhausted and cold on the Jewell Trail approximately 2.5 miles above the Cog Railway Base Station on Mt. Washington. A Conservation Officer and three AVSAR members located her at 11:47 p.m. in temperatures around 33°F with winds gusting over 60 mph. She was given warm clothing and assisted down the trail, arriving safely at the Base Station at approximately 6:15 a.m. on June 13.
Lesson
Anyone venturing into high mountain areas should prepare not only for conditions while moving and generating heat, but also for sitting still in an exposed area should they become incapacitated, as sub-freezing temperatures and winter-like conditions still persist on high, windswept slopes even in summer.
Inadequate clothingNo emergency shelter
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