A hiker who was outside of his comfort zone this week on Mt. Washington is lucky to be alive.
On Tuesday at 4:30 pm, Aron Israel, a 47-year-old New Yorker, drove up the Mt. Washington Auto Road to the summit. From the peak of Mt. Washington, he began to hike down the Tuckerman Ravine trail. His plan was to hike down to his family, who were climbing up the Tuckerman Ravine trail. During the descent, he fell and hurt his ankle, preventing him to continue his hike. For whatever reason, Israel didn’t bring food, water, or warm clothing. He called 911 at 4:36 pm, and the search & rescue mission began.
The search & rescue operation was led by New Hampshire Fish and Game. They received assistance from Appalachian Mountain Club, Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue Team (AVSAR), and SOLO Schools. The rescue was complicated due to the temperature being 37 degrees, with a 28-degree wind chill, and winds of 54 mph.
They reached Israel at 7:20 pm, carrying him away at 7:30 pm, and reached the summit at 8:30. He was brought to Androscoggin Valley Hospital for medical care, but it sounds like he’ll be alright.
This seems like a good time to remind hikers in New Hampshire that there’s a way to avoid paying rescue fees in case you get injured on a trail. Click here to learn more about the Hike Safe Card.
Image Credits: New Hampshire Fish & Game (Featured & Header Image), Thaddeus Bicknell
