CONTACT:
CO Jonathan Demler
603-744-5470
603-271-3361
October 12, 2021
Thornton, NH – At around 2:10 p.m., on October 11, 2021, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department was notified of an injured hiker on the Welch and Dickey Trail in Thornton. The hiker, a 15-year-old from North Chelmsford, MA, was hiking with a church group of approximately 15 people when she slipped while descending the summit of Dickey Mountain and suffered a serious,but non-life-threatening injury. The group was able to move the injured hiker from the summit but realized they would not be able to complete the descent without additional assistance. Volunteers responded from the Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team for a second time during the holiday weekend. Members of Campton-Thornton Fire Rescue and Conservation Officers from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department also responded.
A Conservation Officer reached the injured party at approximately 3:30 p.m. and determined it would be safest to move the youth down the trail in a litter. The minor was carried off of the mountain, safely reaching the trailhead at 6:00 p.m. without further incident. The church group was planning to return to North Chelmsford to seek further medical attention.
New Hampshire Fish & Game Department Conservation Officers would like to remind anyone enjoying the outdoors this fall to plan ahead and make safe decisions. Hiking in the White Mountains requires proper planning and preparation. All hikers should carry essential equipment to be ready not just for the intended hike, but other issues that could arise. Please visit http://www.hikesafe.com for more information.