CONTACT:
Conservation Officer II Christopher McKee
(603)744-5470 (603)271-3361
July 10, 2019
Franconia, NH – At 10:44 am on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, New Hampshire Fish and Game Officers responded to a report of a female hiker having a medical emergency near the summit of Mount Garfield. Kayla Marshalsea, 28, of Lee, New Hampshire, was on a three-day hiking trip when she suffered a medical emergency leaving her unable to walk or move under her own power. Conservation Officers responded to Mount Garfield along with numerous volunteers from PEMI Valley Search and Rescue team to assist in the carryout. While hiking up to the victim, rescuers encountered a large summer camp group from Camp Pasquaney who volunteered to assist in the carryout.
With the help of the 20 campers and PEMI Search and Rescue team, the victim was carried down to the trail head on Gale River Loop arriving at 6:10 pm. Marshalsea was then transported by the Twin Mountain ambulance to Littleton Regional Hospital for treatment. Marshalsea and her hiking companion were well prepared for numerous nights’ stay in the mountains and had all the proper gear to be out hiking. Hikers are reminded to always be prepared for the unexpected and bring proper gear for all situations.
For additional hiking safety information visit www.hikesafe.com.