CONTACT:
Lt. Bradley Morse
CO Joseph Canfield
603-744-5470
October 5, 2026
Holderness, NH – On Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:22 a.m., Holderness Fire-Rescue, Center Harbor Fire-Rescue, Sandwich Fire-Rescue, Plymouth Ambulance, and New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers responded to West Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness for a hiker who was found unconscious along the trail.
First responders located Richard Chateauneuf, age 64, of Tyngsboro, MA, approximately ¾ of a mile from the trailhead being administered CPR by other hikers. Despite valiant efforts by the good citizens and first responders, they were not able to revive Chateauneuf. He was subsequently carried to the trailhead.
New Hampshire Fish and Game is a self-funded agency that relies heavily upon volunteer rescue groups to complete the mission of search and rescue in the woodlands of the state. The public is encouraged to help support search and rescue activities in the state by purchasing a Hike Safe card. New Hampshire Fish and Game also reminds hikers to prepare themselves before venturing out into the wilderness, including 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.