Accident Report: Hiker falls, is injured, and loses trail

Appalachia, June 2003

On Sept. 14, 2002, Steven B., 26, and Catherine M., 25, hiked up the Livermore Road and Trail, up the Tripyramid Trail, and camped on the Sabbaday Brook Trail. Next day they climbed back up to the Tripyramid Trail and started to descend. Going down a slide, Steven B. lost his footing and fell 300 to 500 feet, by Catherine M.’s estimate. She did not get any verbal response from him so she walked down to his location, where she found him conscious but (initially) not making sense to her. He eventually started making more sense and, since he was able to walk, they decided to move. She said they could not find the trail but continued down a brook bed. When it got dark, they stopped and tried to sleep.

Next day Catherine M. went out for help alone. She found the trail almost immediately and followed it to the parking area. She used her cell phone, which was in her car, to call 911. Waterville Valley Rescue personnel met her at her car; they were able to drive an ATV within yards of Steven B. and transport him out on the ATV. He was taken to Spear Memorial Hospital in Plymouth, where he was found to have a broken nose, cerebral concussion, multiple contusions, and several dirty lacerations, and he was admitted for treatment.

Sources: N.H. Fish and Game Conservation Officer Thomas Dakai’s report.

Comment: Sustaining a substantial injury far from any facility is a hiker’s worst fear, and losing the trail afterward certainly did not make things any easier. Both the victim and his companion are to be commended for their fortitude. There are areas, such as the Presidentials or Franconia Ridge, where help from fellow hikers is almost certain to be available on a summer weekend. On less popular peaks it is not uncommon to be alone all day.

Editor's Note: The preceding is a sample of the many accident reports provided in each issue of Appalachia.