CONTACT:
Sgt. Alex Lopashanski
603-271-3361
October 31, 2026
Hart’s Location, NH– On Saturday, October 31, 2026, shortly before 5:30 p.m., New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified that a climber had fallen on Whitehorse Ledge and injured his ankle. The climber was Zev Beigel, 29, of West Hartford, CT. Beigel was on a rock-climbing route named Inferno, which is located on the south buttress portion of the cliff.
He was nearly 150 feet off the ground when he fell about 20 feet. His climbing gear arrested his fall, but he suffered an ankle injury. Beigel was climbing with friends who were able to lower him to the ground and call 911 for help.
Along with NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers, rescuers from North Conway Fire Department, Conway Fire Department, and Lakes Region Search and Rescue responded. Beigel was under a mile from the trailhead. He was placed in a litter and carried out, arriving at a waiting ambulance shortly before 7:00 p.m. Beigel was taken to the Memorial Hospital in North Conway for treatment.
Lakes Region Search and Rescue is a highly skilled volunteer search and rescue organization whose members work hard to maintain the skills and equipment necessary to carry out rescues across the state. Anyone can donate to LRSAR through the New Hampshire Outdoor Council at www.nhoutdoorcouncil.org. Donations are fully tax deductible. 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.