CONTACT:
Conservation Officer Sgt. Matthew Holmes
603-788-4850
603-271-3361
August 18, 2026
Franconia, NH – On the afternoon of Monday, August 17, 2026, North Country rescuers responded to the Garfield Ridge section of the Appalachian Trail to assist a hiker who was suffering from a significant injury over 5 miles into the woods from the nearest road.
Shortly before noon, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers were notified that Jeremy Hooten, 51, of Fortville, Indiana, had suffered a significant lower leg injury at a location approximately half a mile north of the summit of Mt. Garfield. Hooten, a paramedic by trade, splinted his injury but was unable to walk without assistance. Conservation Officers advised that help would be on the way, but that it would be a while given the fact that Hooten was 5.5 miles from the Garfield Trail trailhead.
As a result of the call for help, a rescue team comprised of 28 volunteers from Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team and 3 Conservation Officers responded to assist. Working steadily, the first group of rescuers arrived at Hooten’s location at 4:05 p.m. Due to steep ground, Hooten was initially assisted in hobbling up to the height of land. Once there, he was placed in a litter and commenced to be carried toward the trailhead starting at 5:33 p.m.
Working together as a group, the rescue team steadily advanced towards the trailhead, covering over 4 miles before arriving safely at Gale River Loop Road at approximately 8:30 p.m. Once roadside, Hooten was taken by Bethlehem Ambulance to Littleton Regional Hospital for further evaluation and treatment of his injuries.