CONTACT:
Lieutenant James Kneeland
603-744-5470
September 22, 2026
Franconia, NH – On Monday, September 21, 2026, at 5:15 p.m., NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers were made aware of an SOS alert near Owl’s Head Mountain in the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Eventually it was learned that a hiker had injured a lower leg and was unable to continue without assistance. The hiker was located 6.5 miles from the Lincoln Woods Trailhead. A rescue team comprised of Conservation Officers and volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team responded to the trailhead. The first rescuers started in a little after 7:00 p.m. and were shuttled by ATV the first 2.5 miles. By 9:45 p.m., the first rescuers arrived on scene and were able to place the injured hiker into a rescue litter for the lengthy carryout, which commenced at 10:00 p.m. The rescue party arrived back at Lincoln Woods at 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22. The injured hiker was taken by private vehicle for treatment of his injured leg.
The hiker was identified as 56-year-old Eric Jackson of North Conway, New Hampshire. Jackson had summitted Owl’s Head and was descending via the Brutus Bushwhack when a slip and fall caused his lower-leg injury around 3:00 p.m. Realizing that he could not make it out on his own, a companion hiker started for help as there is no cell service in the area. Eventually, the companion came across another hiker who was carrying a Garmin inReach device. This Good Samaritan was able to alert the Rescue Coordination Center of the need for a rescue and the location. He also continued and stayed with the injured hiker until the arrival of rescuers. In all, 29 rescuers participated in this lengthy carryout.
Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. Hikers are encouraged to e prepared by checking the Higher Summits Forecast at the Mount Washington Observatory site MountWashington.org and to be prepared for their trek to include packing the ten essential items: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife. For additional information, please visit www.hikeSafe.com.
Thornton, NH– On Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 1:15 a.m., NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers were made aware of an overdue hiker from Johnson Brook Road in Thornton. A 68-year-old male had gone for a hike, leaving from his residence sometime on the September 21, and had not returned as expected by family. With temperatures in the mid40s, a rescue effort was organized. Conservation Officers who had just concluded the Owl’s Head carryout along with members of the Thornton Police Department, Campton/Thornton Fire Rescue, Plymouth Fire-Rescue, New England K-9, and the Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team responded to the area. A search of local trails and the wooded area around the residence commenced by 2:30 a.m. Drones and canines were utilized during this search.
At 7:30 a.m., the missing man was located about a quarter of a mile from his residence by a canine from New England K-9. The missing man, identified as Michael Ramos, was uninjured and brought out to meet his family. Ramos was unaware anyone was looking for him and had planned an overnight stay in the woods. This rescue effort emphasizes the need to leave a detailed plan with someone.
The Hiker Responsibility Code advises that you are responsible for yourself, so be prepared to leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you’ll return, and your emergency plans. For more information on the Hiker Responsibility Code visit www.hikesafe.com.