CONTACT:
Lt. William Boudreau
(603) 271-3361
August 13, 2019
Jaffrey, NH – On August 12 at approximately 6:50 p.m., members of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the Department of Natural and Cultural resources responded to two separate injured hikers on the White Cross Trail at Monadnock State Park.
Sydney Watnick, 27 years old, of Manchester, NH, was descending the White Cross Trail with a friend when she suffered an injury to her lower right leg at approximately 6:45 p.m. At that time Watnick was approximately 1.3 miles from the Park Headquarters and was unable to hike down without assistance. Good Samaritans stopped to assist Watnick and called 911. A Mountain Patrol Ranger reached Watnick at approximately 7:35 p.m. The Mountain Patrol Ranger gave Watnick some hiking poles and flashlights that she was able to use to make her way down the mountain. While assisting Watnick, the Mountain Patrol Ranger learned from a passerby that another injured hiker was located approximately 100 yards further up the mountain and also on the White Cross Trail. Watnick and rescuers reached the Park Headquarters at 9:39 p.m. where she refused further medical attention.
The Park Manager and Conservation Officers reached the second injured hiker at approximately 8:38 p.m. Paloma Guerrero, 24 years old, of Lawrence, MA, was descending the White Cross Trail when she injured her lower right leg at approximately 6:40 p.m. Guerrero was provided with crutches and headlamps and was able to hike down with assistance. Guerrero and rescuers reached the Park Headquarters at 9:57 p.m. where she refused further medical attention.
Conservation Officers would like to thank the many volunteers who stopped to assist with both injured parties.
This incident is a good reminder to all people recreating in the outdoors to dress appropriately, hike with a partner or group, and carry necessary equipment. Having appropriate gear aides in safety. Please visit www.hikesafe.com for a list of recommended hiking equipment.