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.
Patrick Bittman, solo male hiker (resident of Portland, ME)
Bittman set out alone at 12:15 a.m. for a winter night hike of the Franconia Ridge loop, became disoriented near the first summit, lost the trail and fled down a steep gully shedding gear, then collapsed waist-deep in snow. He spent roughly 15 hours in the snow before an Army National Guard helicopter evacuation; a Fish and Game report cited cotton layers, insufficient preparation, and poor judgment.
Lesson
Fish and Game's report cited cotton layers and insufficient preparation for winter above-treeline conditions.
On December 14, 2024, Slavek Zaglewski, 55, fell approximately 60 feet near the top of Shoestring Gully while ice climbing, sustaining arm and head injuries. His climbing partner Mariusz Markewicz secured him and ascended to the ridge to call 911, as there was no cell service at the location. Rescuers from MRS, AVSAR, and Bartlett/Jackson Ambulance raised Zaglewski nearly 400 feet out of the gully and carried him two miles to the trailhead, reaching it after 5:00 a.m. on December 15.
20-year-old male and 18-year-old female, brother and sister
Two hikers fell into Lincoln Brook twice on November 23, 2024, soaking all their clothing and developing early-stage hypothermia approximately 8.5 miles from the trailhead. They set up camp and used a Garmin InReach to notify Dartmouth Outdoor Programs staff, who relayed a rescue request to NHFG. Two conservation officers reached them at 2:30 a.m., provided dry clothing, and the hikers were able to walk out, arriving at the trailhead at 7:15 a.m.
Lesson
Winter conditions have arrived in the mountains, and hikers are encouraged to be prepared for their trek to include 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.
Duncan Sutherland, 70, slipped and fell on the descent from Mt. Morgan, landing on his back and hip and was unable to stand or walk. Nearby hikers called 911 and responders from multiple fire departments and LRSAR carried him out to the trailhead by 2:45 p.m. He was then transported to Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth for evaluation and treatment.
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.
Off trailInadequate clothing
·No specific peak·Diana's Bath
RescueMedical
71-year-old male from Clermont, FL
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.
Yawata fell and injured her leg while descending the North Slide, an extremely steep and dangerous section of the Mt. Tripyramid Trail. A conservation officer reached her about 0.75 miles from the Livermore Road trailhead and assisted her out.
Lesson
Conservation Officers remind hikers that trails present many additional hazards in autumn and that below-freezing temperatures are present at higher elevations; hikers should visit hikesafe.com for more information.
Inadequate traction
·No specific peak·Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail
RescueFall
Rosemarie Asikis, 39, of Haverhill, MA
On October 20, 2024, Rosemarie Asikis slipped and fell on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead, sustaining a lower leg injury that left her unable to bear weight. SAR crews from AVSAR, PEMI SAR, and MRS responded and carried her out in a rescue litter, arriving at the trailhead at 9:10 p.m. Asikis declined an ambulance and chose to seek medical treatment on her own.
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.
Muhammad Naizi, age 31, fell and slipped while descending the Blue Trail on Mt. Major, injuring his back and rendering him unable to walk. He called 911 for assistance and nearby hikers helped move him a short distance before rescue personnel arrived. He was transported by rescue side-by-side vehicle to the trailhead parking area.
Meier, hiking the 9-mile Falling Waters/Old Bridle Path loop solo, slipped descending from Mount Lincoln toward Lafayette and injured her lower leg 4.2 miles from the trailhead, in 60-80 mph winds and temperatures in the 30s. Passing hikers reported it; rescuers assisted her out.
Lesson
NH Fish and Game reminds hikers to prepare before venturing into the wilderness, including packing the ten essential items such as map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife.
Merenda injured her leg and could not continue; over 20 rescuers carried her by litter 1.5 miles down to the Welch-Dickey trailhead.
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, especially in the mountains.
·No specific peak·Edmands Path
RescueFall
Kyleigh Burns, 25, of Somerville, MA
On September 29, 2024, Kyleigh Burns, 25, slipped and fell on Edmands Path approximately 2 miles from the trailhead, sustaining a lower-leg injury that prevented her from bearing weight. Her hiking companions attempted to assist her descent and she moved roughly 1,000 feet before rescuers arrived. Twenty-two volunteers from AVSAR and PEMI SAR carried her in a rescue litter to the trailhead, arriving at 4:30 p.m.
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.
Kathryn Shaw, 38, slipped on the Mt. Percival Trail in Campton and injured her ankle approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead. She was unable to walk and her brother called 911. Rescuers carried her out in a litter and she was transported to Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth.
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.
On September 21, 2024, Jason McDonald, 48, tripped and fell on a rocky incline on the Osgood Trail near its intersection with the Howker Ridge Trail on Mt. Madison, sustaining a significant lower leg injury that left him unable to walk. He activated a personal locator beacon and called 911; approximately 30 volunteers and 6 Conservation Officers from NH and ME responded. After an all-night litter carry, McDonald reached the Great Gulf trailhead at approximately 5:20 a.m. on September 22 and was transported to Androscoggin Valley Hospital.
Lesson
This incident highlights the importance of preparedness and how desperately it is needed when the mountains force time to stop.
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.
Heather Allen, 44, slipped while descending the Unknown Pond Trail in Kilkenny on September 14, 2024, suffering a severe lower-leg injury that prevented her from hiking out. She was part of a group participating in the Flags on the 48 September 11th Memorial Hike, having summited Mt. Cabot via Bunnell Notch Trail. Rescuers carried her out in a litter, reaching the trailhead at 10:30 p.m., and she was transported to Androscoggin Valley Hospital.
·No specific peak·Champney Falls Trail
RescueFall
58-year-old female from Greene, Maine
Ethel LaFlamme, 58, slipped and fell while viewing the falls on the Champney Falls Trail on September 13, 2024, sustaining a hip injury that left her unable to stand or walk. Her husband hiked out to seek cell signal and summoned a passerby to call 911, with rescuers arriving at her location at 8:40 p.m. She was transported by rescue litter to the trailhead and then taken by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in North Conway.
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.
Zhang suffered a serious lower-leg injury after slipping on the trail and could not continue. Rescuers carried him over 2.5 miles by litter to the trailhead.
·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.
On August 24, 2024, Katie Harris, 28, became disoriented on Mt. Chocorua and contacted NH Fish and Game for assistance. She was monitored by phone and directed to stay on the Brook Trail, arriving at the trailhead shortly before 9:00 p.m. She was then driven back to the Champney Falls trailhead where her vehicle was parked.
Lesson
NH Fish and Game reminded hikers that trail markers around summit areas can be sparse and it is important to research and be confident in the chosen route; a full-size paper map is extremely useful to understand how trails are connected.
No map
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