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.
Shane Squires, 35, of New Bedford, MA, and Robert Conlon, 41, of Haverhill, MA
The two lost the trail descending from Lafayette's summit on the Greenleaf Trail; one fell and claimed a lower-leg injury while both were above treeline in about 10°F, heavy winds, and waist-deep snow. One suffered severe hypothermia and was in and out of consciousness. A Pemi Valley Search and Rescue team warmed them and helped them hike out; both were treated for frostbite.
Lesson
Fish and Game stated that hikers unable to follow the Hiker Responsibility Code should consider staying home, as such rescues put rescuers at great risk.
Off trailInadequate clothing
·No specific peak·Davis Path
RescueLost
67-year-old female hiker from Westerly, RI
On November 25, 2025, Katherine Rosen, 67, became separated from her sister on the Davis Path in Harts Location after turning back early from a short walk. She lost the trail and ended up several hundred yards downstream of the parking area on the opposite bank of the Saco River. Conservation Officers located her by following her calls for help and walked her out uninjured by shortly before 8:00 p.m.
No headlamp
·No specific peak·Black Angel Trail
RescueLost
52-year-old male hiker and his teenage son
On November 8, 2025, Steven Diroff, 52, and his teenage son took a wrong turn while hiking the Baldface Loop and ended up several miles out on the Black Angel Trail without a flashlight or headlamp. Rescuers from NHFG and AVSAR responded to the Basin Trail in Chatham. Diroff and his son made it to within a few hundred yards of the trailhead on their own and were given a courtesy ride back to their vehicle.
Lesson
Always bring a spare headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries whenever you go for a hike, no matter how long you expect to be out.
Strommer was caught in windblown snow about 0.3 miles below the summit with a dying headlamp and cell phone and no backup equipment; the summit temperature was 21°F with a wind chill of 3°F. He picked his way up by cairns until he reached a State Park truck's headlights and was driven to the summit to warm up. Fish and Game said he was 'absolutely unprepared' for above-treeline conditions.
Lesson
Fish and Game emphasized the situation could have had a very bad outcome and stressed preparation for above-treeline winter conditions.
No headlampPhone battery diedInadequate clothingIgnored forecast
·No specific peak·Old Bridle Path
RescueFall
17-year-old male from Sudbury, MA
The hiker injured his leg after slipping on a wet section of the Old Bridle Path. Fish and Game and Pemi Valley Search and Rescue (over 20 rescuers) carried him by litter to the trailhead at 1:25 a.m. Sunday.
Lesson
NH Fish and Game urges hikers to be prepared and use caution, noting that days are getting shorter and snow and ice can be encountered at any time; having a light source, proper footwear, and clothing is a must, and packing the 10 Essentials even on a day hike is imperative.
Jayson Choy, 23, called for help at approximately 6:03 p.m. on October 19, 2025, after becoming unprepared above treeline near the summit of Little Haystack with no water, food, or light. Conservation Officers hiked up and located him just below the summit on the Falling Waters Trail at 8:14 p.m. He was provided supplies and escorted to the parking lot by 9:50 p.m., uninjured. Choy will be charged for the cost of the rescue.
Lesson
Fish and Game reminded hikers to always bring the ten essential items: warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jacket and pants, knife, and map and compass.
No headlampInadequate clothingNo emergency shelterUnderestimated distance
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.
·No specific peak·Basin Cascade Trail
RescueFall
53-year-old woman from Belmont, MA
On October 13, 2025, Ye Guo, 53, of Belmont, MA, slipped and fell while hiking down the Basin Cascade Trail in Lincoln, injuring her leg and rendering her unable to walk. Volunteers from PEMI Valley Search and Rescue and Conservation Officers carried her out via litter to a waiting ambulance. She was transported to Littleton Hospital for further treatment.
Lesson
Fish and Game reminded hikers to bring the ten essential items to keep themselves dry and warm, including warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jacket and pants, knife, map, and compass.
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.
Christianson fell and suffered a leg injury about 2.2 miles from the trailhead while hiking the Welch-Dickey Loop with her husband. Rescuers carried her by litter to the trailhead, and she was transported to Littleton Regional Hospital.
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.
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 17, 2025, Stephen McGovern, 71, of West Warwick, RI, slipped and sustained a head injury while hiking the Sugarloaf Trail in Bethlehem with friends. Two Pemi Valley Search and Rescue volunteers who happened to be on the same trail located and treated McGovern and assisted him down the trail. He was subsequently transported by his hiking partners to Memorial Hospital in North Conway for further treatment.
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 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.
Shaffer suffered a lower-leg injury on the upper Jewell Trail at about 5,000 feet after falling multiple times and could not continue. AVSAR (15 volunteers) and three conservation officers warmed her and her husband, treated her injury, and carried her out by litter, arriving roadside at 12:40 a.m.
Lesson
Conservation Officers reminded hikers that a seasonal change is in full swing in the mountains of New Hampshire, with warm daytime temperatures but very cold nights.
On September 7, 2025, Victor Pascarelli slipped on wet soil while descending the Brooks Fisher Trail on Mt. Webster, sustaining a lower leg injury approximately 0.8 miles from the trailhead. He was treated on scene and carried out by litter, then transported to Speare Memorial Hospital in Plymouth.
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.
·No specific peak·Wildcat River Trail
RescueFall
72-year-old female hiker from Dripping Springs, TX
Leigh Jandle, 72, suffered a lower leg injury while descending the Carter-Moriah Trail and Wildcat River Trail toward a campsite near Carter Notch Hut on Tuesday evening. Her sons assisted her to the Carter Notch bunkhouse after an AMC employee splinted the injury, but she could not bear weight and required evacuation. Rescue crews from NHFG, AVSAR, LRSAR, and AMC carried her 2.3 miles down the 19 Mile Brook Trail, reaching the trailhead at 11:30 p.m., and she was transported to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin.
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.
Dennis Boyce, of Bermuda Run, NC, Appalachian Trail thru-hiker; a second AT thru-hiker also sustained a serious but non-life-threatening injury
On August 25, 2025, Dennis Boyce, an AT thru-hiker, slipped and fell near the summit of North Kinsman on the Kinsman Ridge Trail and was unable to hike out under his own power. Conservation Officers and Pemi Valley Search and Rescue volunteers carried him out to Lafayette Place Campground, where he was transported by ambulance to Littleton Regional Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. A second AT thru-hiker was also found with a serious but non-life-threatening injury during the operation and similarly transported to Littleton Regional Hospital.
Lesson
NH Fish and Game urges hikers to be prepared and to use caution while hiking, noting that packing the 10 Essentials even on a day hike is imperative.
·No specific peak·Arethusa Falls Trail
RescueFall
46-year-old female hiker from Quincy, MA
Kelly Graeber, 46, injured her ankle while returning from Arethusa Falls on the Arethusa Falls Trail on August 23, 2025. With no cell service in the area, a group member hiked out to call 911. Rescuers met her nearly a mile from the trailhead, splinted her ankle, and ultimately carried her out in a litter; she was transported to Memorial Hospital in North Conway.
On August 23, 2025, Florence Hunter, 22, slipped while descending Mt. Moriah and suffered a lower-leg injury approximately 4 miles from the trailhead. NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers and volunteers from AVSAR and LRSAR carried her out via litter over roughly 2 miles before transferring her to an ATV for the remaining distance. Hunter refused hospital transport upon reaching the parking lot at 1:00 a.m. on August 24.
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.
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