CONTACT:
Sgt. Alex Lopashanski
603-744-5470
603-271-3361
August 2, 2024
Bartlett, NH – On Thursday, August 1, shortly before 11:00 a.m., New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified that a hiker was injured on the Moat Mountain Trail in the area of Middle Moat Mountain. The hiker was Kristalyn Keenan, 44 of Kennebunk, ME. Keenan was hiking with a friend when she slipped and injured her ankle on a section of wet rock between the summits of North and South Moat Mountains. She was unable to bear weight on the injured foot, but did make some progress by crawling along the trail towards the direction of rescuers.
Along with Conservation Officers, members of the Bartlett/Jackson Ambulance Service and Lakes Region Search and Rescue, the U.S. Forest Service, and Mountain Rescue Service responded. Rescuers were able to use a gated forest service road to gain a more direct route to Keenan who was nearly 3.0 miles from the access point. Rescuers created a harness system to assist Keenan through steep rocky terrain and she was able to negotiate it with assistance. MRS members rigged lines along the steeper sections of rock and ultimately Keenan was placed in a litter to be lowered and was carried the remaining distance out to a waiting ambulance. Keenan arrived at the ambulance shortly before 7:30 p.m.
Lakes Region Search and Rescue (LRSAR) and Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) are volunteer search and rescue organizations whose members work hard to maintain the skills and equipment necessary to carry out rescues across the state. Anyone can donate to LRSAR and MRS through the New Hampshire Outdoor Council by visiting www.nhoutdoorcouncil.org. Donations are fully tax deductible. Outdoor enthusiasts are also encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card by visiting www.wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities. For safe hiking tips and a list of essential gear, visit hikesafe.com.