Crime & Safety
Hikers Rescued Following Lengthy Search By Conservation Officers
The two hikers from Massachusetts were found early Monday after 7 hours after failing to prepare for a hike in changing weather conditions.
LINCOLN, NH - New Hampshire Fish and Game officials were notified or a pair of hikers in distress on Franconia Ridge in Lincoln at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. Kenneth Bailey, 28, of Woburn, Mass. and Angelica Ou, 28, of Lynn, Mass., had called for help after becoming disoriented and were unsure of how to reach a trail to return to their car.
Conservation Officer Jonathan Demler said at the time of the call, the two were located roughly 2000 feet south of the summit of Little Haystack Mountain. The situation was made dangerous by the weather on top of the ridge being forecasted to reach down into the 30s, Demler said. The hikers reporte not having any light sources other than a cell phone with almost no battery life remaining, and one hiker was suffering severe fatigue.
Conservation officers responded to the Falling Waters trail and started hiking up the trail at approximately 6:35 pm. At 8:35, a conservation officer reached the distressed hikers and provided headlamps and water to the hikers.
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The two hikers had made it to just below the summit of Little Haystack Mountain on the Falling Waters Trail before their phone and only light source had run out of battery. The group was able to hike down the trail and reached the trailhead safely without further incident at 12:40 a.m. Monday.
New Hampshire Fish & Game Department conservation officers would like to remind anyone enjoying the outdoors this fall to plan ahead and make safe decisions. Hiking in the White Mountains requires proper planning and preparation.
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Short days and severe winter conditions should be anticipated. Not having a dedicated light source such as a flashlight or headlamp, regardless of the time expected to be hiking, could be the difference between having an enjoyable outing and facing a potentially deadly situation, officers warn.
All hikers should carry essential equipment to be ready not just for the intended hike, but other issues that could arise. Please visit http://www.hikesafe.com/ for more information.