CONTACT:
CO Sergeant Christopher McKee
603-744-5470
603-271-3361
August 14, 2026
Bethlehem, NH – On Thursday, August 13, 2026, at approximately 9:35 a.m., the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department was notified of a hiker who had fallen and suffered a serious but non-life-threatening head injury. The hiker had reportedly fallen down the deck stairs at the Zealand Hut in Bethlehem. The report said AMC staff were helping the hiker and attempting to stop the bleeding from the injury. Due to the seriousness of the injury, the hiker was not able to hike out, and a rescue call was made.
Volunteers from the Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team along with Conservation Officers responded and hiked 2.8 miles up the trail to the injured hiker. The rescuers reached the injured hiker at 11:35 a.m. The hiker was identified as Miroslaw Lobasz (trail name Kermit), 73, of Newark, Delaware. Lobasz was placed in a litter and carried from the Zealand Hut 2.8 miles to the trailhead.
The rescuers arrived at the trailhead at 1:30 p.m. Lobasz was then transported by Twin Mountain Ambulance to Littleton Regional Hospital for further medical treatment of his injuries. Lobasz was well prepared and had been on the trail since March 31. He was thru hiking the Appalachian Trail and plans to get back out on the trail again as soon as he is able.
Outdoor enthusiasts are also encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at 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.