CONTACT:
Lieutenant Mark Ober
603-788-4850
603-271-3361
January 21, 2020
Carroll, NH – Saturday, January 18 at approximately 3:30 p.m., Fish and Game Conservation Officers were notified of an injured hiker on the Cherry Mountain Trail approximately 1.2 miles up from the trailhead off Route 115 in Twin Mountain. The call came in via 911 reporting that a 50-year-old female had fallen, suffering a lower leg injury and was unable to walk out under her own power.
A rescue effort was initiated with Conservation Officers and Twin Mountain Fire and EMS personnel responding. Volunteers from Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue had also been dispatched. While waiting for additional rescue responders, Twin Mountain tried utilizing their tracked rescue all-terrain vehicle (ATV) to maneuver up the trail in an attempt to access the hiker. They were successful in this endeavor, driving nearly a mile up the trail to within a short distance of the injured hiker. EMS personnel were able to load the victim onto the ATV and safely transport her back to the trailhead and the awaiting ambulance at approximately 5:00 p.m.
The hiker was identified as Diane Walsh, 50, of Malden, MA, and had been hiking with three other companions when she fell while descending after summiting Mt. Martha. Walsh’s companions called for assistance and kept her warm while awaiting rescue response. Due to the prospect of a prolonged wait, Walsh, with assistance of her companions, started to descend the snow-covered trail by sliding down under her own power. She continued sliding until being met by the Twin MT Rescue ATV.
Walsh was evaluated by EMS personnel in the ambulance and was ultimately transported to Littleton Regional Hospital for treatment of her injury. Walsh is an avid hiker and is a HikeSafe cardholder.