A hiker has reportedly died on New Hampshire’s Kinsman Ridge after suffering what officials described as a significant fall on Friday ning.
At 6:30 p.m. on Friday, New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers were made aware of an overdue hiker from the Coppermine Trail area in Franconia. The hiker had departed earlier in the day and had planned a hike to the area of the middle Cannon Ball up thru the Coppermine Brook Valley to check conditions of a ski glade prior to the winter skiing season.
At around 4 p.m., the man told his wife that he was okay and on his way back out. When the man did not return home in a reasonable time frame she called for assistance. Franconia Police located the hiker’s vehicle at the Coppermine Road off Route 116 in Franconia. Conservation officers from New Hampshire Fish and Game also responded to the trailhead.
Having a rough idea of the intended route, conservation officers started up the trail a little after 9 p.m. The area needing to be searched was primarily off trail and required bushwhacking thru thick vegetation while wintery conditions were present.
Just prior to 1 a.m., while ascending the edges of a steep iced over slide the body of the missing man was located at around 2,800 feet in elevation. More officers and volunteers from Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team were called in to assist with the recovery effort. In all, 20 two rescuers took part in the rescue.
By 5:30 a.m., additional rescuers had reached the scene and were able to start the 3.2-mile carryout to Coppermine Road. The rescue party reached the trailhead just prior to 9 a.m. and were met by the assistant medical examiner. Officials said it was apparent the man had suffered a significant fall in icy terrain. He was wearing micro spikes and was well equipped with equipment for a hike. An autopsy is planned.
The hiker is identified as 44-year-old Christopher Huyler of Littleton, New Hampshire. Officials said Huyler is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed New Hampshire’s White Mountains in all seasons.
