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Trail Community Reels From Death of Well-Known Hiker in White Mountains
Search and rescue teams recovered the body of a missing hiker from New Hampshire’s White Mountains near Mount Guyot early Thursday morning. In a press release, New Hampshire Fish and Game identified the deceased hiker as Christopher Roma, 37, a prominent and very experienced hiker from Thornton, New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Fish and Game was first made aware of a hiker in distress at 10 p.m. Tuesday night when concerned acquaintances contacted 911. Eventually, Roma himself was able to contact 911, enabling rescuers to pinpoint his location between Mount Bond and Mount Guyot.
According to the Fish and Game press release, “Before the call was lost (Roma) stated he was very cold. The weather forecast for the area was for heavy winds, temperatures in the single digits, and snow.”
Photo: New Hampshire Fish and Game
Rescuers started on foot toward Roma’s location around 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning, trudging through waist-deep snow and enduring harsh conditions above treeline. The New Hampshire Army National Guard also flew three separate helicopter flights throughout the day on Wednesday in an attempt to reach Roma by air but could never get near Mount Guyot due to low clouds and poor visibility.
Despite rescuers’ heroic efforts, Roma was already deceased by the time a ground crew from Mountain Rescue Service finally reached his location around 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Conditions made it impossible to recover his body at that time. All crews were pulled off the mountain and Roma’s body was recovered Thursday morning by a helicopter crew.
The loss is a sobering reminder that even the most accomplished hikers among us are still vulnerable to the dangers of harsh alpine conditions, particularly in winter.
New Hampshire Fish and Game recommended that all hikers come prepared with proper attire, including snowshoes and traction devices. The agency also encouraged outdoor enthusiasts 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.
Remembering Christopher “Rafiki” Roma
Roma was an experienced outdoorsman, having trekked extensively in the White Mountains. After finishing the Triple Crown of thru-hiking plus a second PCT thru-hike in 2020, he went on to found his own guiding business, North East Trekking Company. He was deeply involved with his community in Thornton and in 2023 began blogging for this website, The Trek. On trail, he went by the trail name “Rafiki.” He is survived by his two-year-old son.
News of Roma’s death left loved ones and fellow members of the hiking community stunned. An outpouring of love and support online show just how much Roma was cherished on and off the trail. Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to support his family.
On his guiding service’s website, Roma wrote about the moment, after completing all three of America’s longest trails, that he discovered his life’s calling:
“It was then that I knew I was meant to show others the beautiful country we have right here in our own back yards and give them the chance to transform as I had over the last 5 years.
“I want this business to serve you, the hiker that is looking for more than just a work out and a view. The hiker that is looking for the life lessons and experiences one gets through hiking. I experienced a lot of learning the hard way, and my goal is to educate and inform you about the dangers of the wild, the trials and tribulations, and the importance of sustainability. I want to show you that if we take care of nature, nature will take care of us, mentally and physically.”
His words paint a picture of a man who was perpetually enchanted by the natural world and was driven to share that wonder with others — a man who cherished both the mountains and the community that now mourns him. They seem like a fitting way to end this story — a reminder of the legacy that Roma leaves behind and of the fact that, as Roma’s loved ones wrote on GoFundMe, there is some comfort in knowing that he died doing what he loved.
Featured image: New Hampshire Fish and Game
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Comments 59
No disrespect to Christopher Roma or his loved ones, but…
When my time comes, I’d rather be in the beauty of nature than in a hospital.
I agree but what in the article suggested otherwise by the author?
The fact that crews started to go out for him nearly a day before they reached the body is a testament to how remote the pemi area is. Unfortunately, it continually surprises people that when they hit the SOS they are still flying solo for many many hours which in many cases is too long if you are already in hypothermia. Sad loss, seemed like a good guy.
As someone that’s lived in and hiked the white mountains my entire life, he knew the dangers and should’ve been prepared. As a 12 year old Cadet we were dropped off in the mountains and not picked up until the next day. You build a f-ing shelter. Whether it’s made of snow or sticks. You bring a compass. You bring a flint stick and tinder. You bring an emergency tent which is the size of a large credit card when folded. You have emergency warmers. This is rookie behavior. We need to stop sending out rescues and wasting our money on this stupidity.
I think one mistake led to another mistake. Then his death. I don’t know why he didn’t have emergency gear with him. Should have found shelter. It sucks carrying this gear, but it may save your life. Hikers,
please watch the weather and try to have a companion with you.
When too harsh or judgemental we are in great danger from karma. Beware that type of stupidity.
Wow! Rough crowd!
Some of these comments disgust me. He had a son and a family that loved him. They will see your callous words.
Was he really an ultralighter? The article doesn’t say anything about the state of his campsite. Did he really only have a cell phone?
Absolutely rude comment. Not a Time for such comments. Yes he made a mistake and paid with his life and now his family is mourning. If all you have to say is negativity perhaps you should keep it to yourself. May he rest in peace and his family find comfort.
In his situation I’d have tried to backtrack to the shelter at the Guyot campsite. I slept there one bitter night in late November with a strong wind and blowing snow. But if you curled up in a corner you’d at least get some protection from the wind.
No disrespect to Mr Roma or his family, but why would anyone be out hiking in such a remote area in the kind of cold we have been having.
Because he loves nature, sounds like he was experienced, and frequently hiked the area.
Bad things can happen driving, or just walking in a city.
He was doing what he loved.
Snowing here, I’ll be hiking on the AT today, don’t worry about me.
After hiking the Ammonoosuc Trail in the winter to the top of Mount Washington (or at least that’s always the goal) at least 20 times, there are 2 things I can tell you…never think you know exactly what’s up, and because of that, never hike alone.
After hiking the Ammonoosuc Trail in the winter to the top of Mount Washington (or at least that’s always the goal) at least 20 times, there are 2 things I can tell you…never think you know exactly what’s up, and because of that, never hike alone.
Thoughts and Prayers
I wish there had been a hut nearby ..in AT9, Lakeoftheclouds appeared out the mist in an August hurricane like a UFO …even in just cold rain, sure was a welcome sight. See u in hiker heaven Rafiki!
He walked by the closed Galehead Hut. I might’ve broken a window and found the blanket closet and hunkered down til the storm passed/rescuers arrived. By that time, he was probably somewhat hypothermic. Anyway…he kept going.
Don’t armchair quarterback this. Galehead Hut is a bit of a haul from where he was found. He may have felt fine when he first approached the hut. What you might have done may not have been what you have really done – besides, you’d have to get past the plywood that boards up the windows. Good luck with that. If you truly knew the Whites, you would also know, that Gale River Trail drops pretty quickly, and would have been an even safer option if someone was able to continue.
Those huts are boarded up in the winter. You can’t just break a window and get in.
Such a sad, unnecessary loss of life. It’s my opinion that even if you are an experienced hiker, you should use your common sense. No matter how much you love the outdoors, you shouldn’t go hike remote areas when there’s tons of snow and blizzard conditions in that area. So many experienced hikers make this mistake.
After hiking the Ammonoosuc Trail in the winter to the top of Mount Washington (or at least that’s always the goal) at least 20 times, there are 2 things I can tell you…never think you know exactly what’s up, and because of that, never hike alone.
Mistakes happen, but in the winter it can cost you your life. Most experienced hikers probably have had close calls. I’ve have.I could of been a statistic from October 2020. I was lucky. I now stay below treeline. When I’m soloing or a popular trailhead. So sad I wish my thoughts and blessing to his family.
I wonder what his mistake was? Seems he was experienced enough to be thoroughly prepared.
Experience doesn’t always equate to preparation, especially if you are on a mission to do a single day Pemi in the winter. Making it out safely and with minimal gear is a hedged bet. Letting hubris dictate pushing on is a human mistake and that is ultimately what happened here. The Whites are cruel and they always win – as we like to say, “There are old hikers and there are bold hikers. There are no old and bold hikers”. Many of us also ascribe to all or none when it comes to hiking here – if one turns back in winter, everyone turns back. No shame in surviving to hike another day.
May this young man’s soul rest in peace and the lessons extend to all, especially those cavalier about risk management.
This is too sad. To me, this is a great example of why the rush to allocate fault in a rescue situation (financially by the state and morally by the media) is so misguided. You can be 95% the perfect hiker, in terms of preparation, experience, equipment and notice, and still have dangerous or catastrophic results.
Should this person’s family not receive a whopping bill because he “knew what he was doing?” as compared to the many others who have less experience in the mountains and through the vicissitudes and vagaries of life end up requiring assistance from others?
The objective should be educate and prevent, not to condemn and dissuade. With hiker’s insurance, licensing, and (worst of all) Fish & Game invoices that land in your mailbox like Uninsured Hospital Bills, we are erecting legal and financial barriers to enjoying the wilderness honestly, spontaneously and freely.
That’s why we in new hampshire have the hike safe card, it’s extremely affordable (even included if you have a valid fishing/hunting license). I think getting billed is up to you if you don’t want to spend the few dollars for the insurance.
As an outdoorsman it’s a no-brainer, same as having AAA or equal safety for you car. Stuck in nowhere because of severe mud, either you pay preemptively or you pay for the service.
Thoughts go out to his family, even with all amounts of experience the worst can happen to us all 🙁
I guess he wasn’t dressed warmly enough but I don’t understand how such an experienced hiker could’ve made that mistake.
If you’re dressed appropriately you should be able to survive a cold night. Enough layers and you’ll be fine.
Why didn’t he go for Guyot Shelter? Break into Galehead Hut?
Seems like he was near Guyot shelter when he called for help. Would have atleast provided some shelter from the wind if he had a -20bag with him
I think going to Guyout shelter would have had way more snow, even harder to get through (ny understanding is that he did not have snow shoes) Perhaps he was hoping to remain on the summit to stay on a wider trail…?
I think going to Guyot shelter would have had way more snow, even harder to get through (ny understanding is that he did not have snow shoes) Perhaps he was hoping to remain on the summit to stay on a wider trail…?
My thoughts exactly! I know the area very well, he had to have known himself, that would of been logic. Something must have happened to prevent him from being able to proceed.
Per the trailhead conditions website I use, a man has hiked that same route, solo, 2 days prior and even camped. The trail to the Guyot shelter was closed. So, it was probably impassable. My husband and I hiked 2 days prior on Flume and Liberty. We were and usually are, over prepared for anything in the Whites. We got caught in a bit snow storm with raging winds. Got a little hairy. Honestly, it scared me a bit. Which I think is a good thing. I’ve winter hiked many, many times and it’s my fav time of year to hike. Doesn’t matter how experienced you are, all it takes is an unexpected storm to roll in, make you tired enough that you slow down and get cold. And just stop…..I’m so sad for him and his family. And for those judging – you don’t KNOW what he had with him, or what he was thinking – so stop being keyboard warriors.
He must have went in without a permit. If he tried to get a permit he would be here today, because he would not have got one If he did have a permit, who issued it to him. Rangers start pay attention.
Permit for what?
Huh?!?
Permits had nothing to do with this. He got a hold of authorities on his own. Maybe you should hike more and surf less on your phone, disrespectful ass!
No permits required here. It isn’t California
I can’t believe some or your disrespectful comments.
This isn’t about “I’m an experienced hiker” BS
This man had a family, loved hiking, hiked often.
We don’t know if he had a medical issue, he had an injury from falling….
or anything else. He loved being in the wilderness like we all do.
Show some respect, what if it was your family member or friend?
My Sympathies to his family.
Can we use this tragedy to make sure we never have a loss of this type again ? Will this now cause restrictions to our outdoor areas ? Obviously an experienced hiker should have known better, but, did he think he was above the skill level of a casual hiker ?
Look, as a first responder, I’m called to action, I’ve been in harms way, on many scenes (much more when I was younger, now admin).
But this experienced hiker, initiated a rescue / recovery which includes costs and risks.
What next ?
No …..Anyone who doesn’t bring a full winter gear and snowshoes into a winter hike is crazy bro! Sorry but many people here have way more experience then this guy did! Long distance hiker or not! Old school hikers never cried out for help! You go in , You come out! Its called survival and skills! Sadly this guy didn’t have ether!
I honor Rafiki for learning and doing what he loved, knowing the umbilical connection of the mountains, soul, and prayerful solitude. Your life became one of a warrior spirit. Thank you.
Greatest respect, & blessings. I’m not here to be angry about what Rafiki forgot to bring, It was his choice … Just like it was Ueli Steck’s choice to free solo the Hornbein route w/o supplemental oxygen on his fated day of 30 April 2017 (One of the world’s greatest ice climbers). I’m sure the state will find a way to be re-compensated be it residual assets or family sadly enough. The thing I want to absolutely know was what he did bring in list form & what was his knowledge base when it came to frigid weather. When the after-action report is published, this can be used as a pound of prevention for future cold weather hikers to arm themselves with. It would include a fully featured scenario.
Hi all, please remember to keep your comments respectful, constructive, and on-topic. Otherwise, we’re going to delete it. Thanks.
Also I want to clarify that the photo of Roma that was in the article was from OCTOBER of last year. I doubt he went out there in shorts and sneakers in January. I removed that photo because I think it’s causing some confusion here.
Does anyone know what the route was he was doing? Up and back to Guyot or a loop up by Galehead and over South Twin ?
Such a tragedy for his family and especially his young son.
What did he have for gear?
This is very perplexing- reminds me of the Kate Matrosova tragedy in a way because the weather was well advertised and they went anyway and went solo and pushed on despite chances to turn back. I don’t get it- is the goal that important or were they both too hypothermic to make a rational turnaround decision ?
Another reason why going solo on an extreme hike in the winter is so dangerous-
Is it the thrill of living close to the edge that drives them?
I am a long time experienced winter hiker in the Whites and have climbed Katahdin several times in Winter and have been all over the high whites in full winter.
When I was a very young teenager my mentor brought me to the Presidential range and showed me the sign that says many have died. Turn around now if the weather is bad. I was told that should be the first goal of any hike- have a turn around point and and a turn around weather plan and don’t go if the forecast is bad.
I was also taught to never go solo on extreme winter hikes. There is no margin for error’ and no one to make a rational decision if you experience even the beginning stages of hypothermia.
The minimum extreme winter hiking party size is 3 and in Baxter park it used to be 4 with résumé’s required to be approved to go.
At a minimum I carry a full Extra parka, clothes, 2 stoves ( pocket rocket and one white gas ). A tent , extra headlamps, mittens, a full winter down sleeping bag, pad and a tent.
If I want to go lighter it will only be for a short hike below timber line.
And I turn around based on time not mileage.
I am not suggesting I am better than anyone else but to me it is misleading in a lot of these cases to suggest as the media is doing that the tragedy happened to an experienced or expert hiker. Someone reading the headlines might think this was unpreventable.
There is a difference between winter experience and expertise and non winter.
And I can’t help but wonder if the whole emphasis these days on travel ultralight and fast and view the hike as another goal to be accomplished or something to be done in a
in a certain time contributed to this tragedy.
And again I don’t know his route or gear, but I do know he went solo on an extreme hike in well forecasted bad weather.
Lastly there is no question that his decisions placed rescuers at risk; needlessly. Rescuers have died in the whites in the winter trying to save people.
This is something for all of us to ponder because I think it is often disregarded.
Nothing I have said should diminish this tragedy. Humans make mistakes.
My heart goes out to his family and friends.
.
Actually he started with 2 more hikers but they turned around because of the conditions
He was trying to do a single day winter pemi loop. I’ve done a pemi, over multiple days. Doing it in a single day is hard in the summer. Doing it in the winter is a bit ambitious in my opinion.
Some details.
He was trying to do a single day winter pemi loop. That’s 30+ New Hampshire miles and around 10,000 of elevation gain. A tough hike in good conditions.
He left with 2 others. His hiking partners turned around and he kept pushing forward.
It isn’t controversial or disrespectful to acknowledge that at some point he made a wrong decision. The outcome makes that clear. The purpose should be to learn from the mistakes of others so we don’t repeat them ourselves.
Truly a tragedy! Sad and lots of opinions being put forth. May we all spread caution to those who undertake such an adventure in adverse conditions. May we all express some empathy versus harsh criticism.
RIP Rafiki
I always hike the white MT with winter gear even in the summer I aways have my western MT sleep bag ….. my tent ….. rain jacket ……wool liners ….and my ……Survival blanket ….and head lamp .But I think everyone is For getting …. It’s the white MTS …..With most unpredictable weather ……Hike up one side of the MT its 60 degrees break out out above the tree line go down the other side of the MT and 69 mph winds and it snow and ice …….and any thing can happen ……JUNE 8 th 2023 Mount Moosilauke got in a freak snow and Ice storm on the Summit 29 degrees and 69 MPH winds came out of nowhere and I thought I was done . It took all day to get back down ……..But any thing can happen …….and he not the first experienced hiker to die in the whites ………….With or With out winter gear ……..That what every one is forgetting
He did not start the hike with two friends. He was alone. However 2 friends made it there lomg before responders and hiked in trying to find him.
I am extremely appalled by the comments left. Everyone has a right to their opinion but when they become disrespectful you should keep them to yourselves. This is not what this family needs at this time. Shame on you