Nearly two dozen rescuers help retrieve hiker's body from New Hampshire mountains
Nearly two dozen rescuers were recruited to retrieve the body of a man who "suffered a significant fall in icy terrain" while hiking in New Hampshire, according to officials.
Christopher Huyler, 44, of Littleton, New Hampshire was returning from an area in New Hampshire’s White Mountains Coppermine Trail last Friday where he had gone "to check conditions of a ski glade prior to the winter skiing season" when he was reported missing by his wife around 6:30 p.m., New Hampshire Fish and Game said in a statement.
"The hiker had departed earlier in the day and had planned a hike to the area of the middle Cannon Ball up through the Coppermine Brook Valley to check conditions of a ski glade prior to the winter skiing season," New Hampshire Fish and Game said. "At around 4:00 p.m., the man communicated to his wife that he was okay and on his way back out."
However, when Huyler failed to "return home in a reasonable timeframe," his wife contacted authorities for assistance.
Search area was 'primarily off trail'
Franconia Police were able to locate the hiker’s vehicle at the Coppermine Road off Route 116 in Franconia, about 85 miles north of Concord.
"Having a rough idea of the intended route of the hiker, Conservation Officers started up the trail a little after 9:00 p.m." the statement said, adding the area "that needed to be searched was primarily off trail and required bushwhacking through thick vegetation while wintery conditions were present."
Around 1 a.m., as rescuers were "ascending the edges of a steep iced-over slide," they found the body of the missing man at an elevation of approximately 2,800 feet.
However, retrieving the body from the location required extra assistance and more officers and volunteers were called in to assist with the recovery effort. The additional rescuers reached the scene around 5:30 a.m. and began the "3.2-mile carryout to Coppermine Road," coming to the trailhead just before 9 a.m. where they were met by the assistant medical examiner.
Deceased man was an 'avid outdoor enthusiast'
"It was apparent that the man had suffered a significant fall in icy terrain," the news release said, adding the hiker "was wearing micro spikes and was well equipped for a hike."
The agency described Huyler as "an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed New Hampshire’s White Mountains in all seasons." An autopsy is planned to determine the exact cause of death.
"In all, twenty-two rescuers took part," New Hampshire Fish and Game said.
New Hampshire Fish and Game also reminded visitors and hikers that "winter conditions have arrived in the mountains."
The state agency said those visiting are encouraged to be prepared for their trek, and to include packing the 10 essential items: A map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants and a knife.
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at sshafiq@gannett.com and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.