Injured Massachusetts, Connecticut Hikers Rescued From NH Trails

FRANCONIA, NH — New Hampshire Fish & Game Department received numerous calls about an injured hiker on the Old Bridle path on Mount Lafayette in Franconia Saturday who had a serious but non-life threatening injury.

At around 5:20 p.m., a NH Conservation Officer responded and hiked up to the location of the injured hiker. The hiker who was identified as Jorge Arce, 24, of Ansonia, Connecticut, was hiking with his girlfriend on a steep section of trail when he slipped and injured himself.

Jorge was treated by passing hikers and assisted down the trail with the help of fellow hikers and the Conservation Officer arriving at the trailhead at 8:15 p.m.. Arce was transported from the scene by his girlfriend for further medical treatment.

Not long after, New Hampshire Fish & Game Department was notified of another injured hiker on the Falling Waters Trail in Franconia. The hiker who was identified as Josh Prinzo, 23, of Boston, Massachusetts, who had aggravated a previous leg injury to the point that he could not continue down the trail without assistance.

Conservation Officers and Volunteers from the PEMI Valley Search and Rescue Team responded to the Falling Waters Trail and first arrived with Josh at 7:30 p.m. just below Shining Rock. The injured hiker was placed in a litter and carried 2 miles down the Falling Waters Trail, arriving at the trailhead at 11 p.m. He was transported from the scene in a personal vehicle for further treatment.

Over 20 volunteers from the Pemi Valley SAR Team showed up to assist in the rescue.

Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities. For safe hiking tips and a list of essential gear, visit hikesafe.com.