CONTACT:
Lieutenant Adam Cheney
603-271-3361
October 7, 2019
Dunbarton, NH – A grandmother and grandson were rescued in the Kuncanowet Town Forest located by Gorham Pond in Dunbarton on Sunday October 6, 2019. The two became lost after trying to follow a hiking trail shortly after 11:00 a.m.
Vicki Esancy, 65, of Richmond, ME, told Conservation Officers she planned to take an hour-long hike to the Gorham Pond Overlook with her Grandson, Chis Pollack, 19, of Manchester, NH. She said the two made it to the overlook then thought they were following a trail that was going to bring them around to the backside of Gorham Pond. Esancy said she soon realized they were not on a trail. The two began to look for the trail for a few hours before deciding to call 911 around 2:30 p.m. While speaking with a 911 operator, her grandson’s phone battery died.
A Conservation Officer and Dunbarton Police Officer where able to make voice contact with the two around 4:30 p.m. in a large marsh located in the Kuncanowet Town Forest. Due to the physical condition of Esancy and her grandson, it was determined that the Conservation Officer and Dunbarton Police Officer had to make their way through a large marsh to get to them. After assessing the situation, Esancy and grandson were walked out to the backside of Gorham Pond where they met with another Conservation Officer, who was able to commandeer a boat from a local resident who lives on the pond. The two, tired and thirsty, were brought across Gorham Pond where Dunbarton Rescue was awaiting shortly after 6:00 p.m. Esancy and her grandson refused medical attention. NH Fish and Game was assisted by Dunbarton Police and Dunbarton Fire and Rescue.
NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers want to remind the public that even when taking short hikes on the very many short hiking trails New Hampshire has to offer, it is important to be prepared and wear proper clothing and footwear in case the unexpected happens.