A hiker suffering from hypothermia had to be rescued in the Catskills last week hours after ignoring a warning from a forest ranger.
According to New York Department of Environmental Conservation officials, a forest ranger on a routine patrol along the Phoenicia East Branch Trail in Denning, New York encountered a 33-year-old hiker beginning a hike of Table Mountain at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 16. The ranger reportedly expressed concern over the late start, but the hiker was confident in their ability, had proper gear, and proceeded.
At 2:27 a.m., the hiker sent an SOS from a satellite device with coordinates on Fisherman’s Path, which parallels the Neversink River. Officials said it’s a common trailless exit route for many of the Catskill peaks.
Icy road conditions delayed the response by rangers. At 6:30 a.m., two forest rangers located the hiker, who was reportedly visibly suffering from rapidly progressing hypothermia after falling into the river and becoming fully submerged.
Rangers quickly changed the hiker into dry clothes, used a heated blanket, and provided hot liquids.
After talking to the hiker, the rangers learned the hiker changed plans and included Lone, Peekamoose, Table, and Rocky Mountains.
Rangers helped the hiker to the trailhead and advised them to seek further medical attention if any swelling, blisters, or discoloration occurred. Resources were clear at 8:30 a.m.
