Hiker Dies After Being Found Unresponsive on Mt. Washington

A man is dead after being found unresponsive on Mt. Washington’s Jewell Trail at 1:15 pm on Saturday, July 30. The hikers who found him called 911 and immediately began performing CPR.

Volunteers from Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue (AVSAR) and Pemi Valley Search and Rescue (PEMI SAR) hiked in via the Mt. Washington Auto Road and the Cog Railway, respectively. “The Good Samaritan hikers performed CPR for 40 minutes, but with no signs of life and with freezing temperature and high winds, resuscitation efforts were ceased,” according to a New Hampshire Fish and Game news release.

Battling freezing temperatures, high winds, and poor visibility, the rescuers carried his body for nearly a mile on the Appalachian Trail to the Cog Railway, where a waiting train transported his remains to the base of the mountain.  The hiker’s dog, who was with him when he collapsed, was taken to a shelter until it can be reunited with the man’s family. Authorities have not released the cause of death or the man’s identity at this time.

Mt. Washington is known for having some of the worst weather in the world. A man died of hypothermia on the mountain this past June. To stay safe in the mountains, consider hiking in a group, let someone know your planned itinerary, and ensure you have adequate gear for dangerous weather conditions and emergencies—even in summer.

Featured image via Roller Coaster Philosophy

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