At 10:20 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers were aware of a distressed hiker near Mount Bond in Lincoln. Concerned acquaintances had contacted NH 911 after speaking with the hiker by cell phone. The solo male hiker was thought to be in the area of Mount Bond and that he might be moving towards Bondcliff. Eventually, the hiker contacted NH 911, and coordinates were obtained that placed the hiker between Mount Bond and Mount Guyot. Before the call was lost, the hiker stated he was very cold. The weather forecast for the area was for heavy winds, temperatures in the single digits, and snow.
A rescue effort commenced, and rescuers from NH Fish and Game, Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team, and Mountain Rescue Service met at Lincoln Woods. By 2:00 a.m. on January 17, the first rescuers started in. The rescue effort was slowed as the responders had to trudge through waist-deep snow, and once the rescuers were exposed above the tree line, they faced heavy winds and blowing snow. Realizing progress would be slow, a call was made to the New Hampshire Army National Guard to attempt a helicopter extraction of the hiker.
“On January 17th, Christoper Owen Roma succumbed to weather related injuries while hiking his beloved White Mountains. Chris was a professional hiker and climber, having completed the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide, Appalachian Trail, and many other impressive feats. While his family and friends are devasted by this loss, we find comfort knowing that he died doing what he loved.
The outpouring of community love and support from across the globe has been overwhelming. Chris was a friend to so many, and he leaves behind a legacy of charity and compassion. We are working on plans for a Celebration of Life, as we know this is what he would have wanted.
We would like to lessen the burden on his family, and many have been asking how they can help. We are creating this Fund to help cover the Celebration of Life expenses, cover any of his outstanding expenses, and the remainder to create a fund to help support his son Soloman (aged 2) that he leaves behind.”
– GoFundMe campaign
Throughout the day, the New Hampshire Army National Guard flew three flights to Lincoln but could never get near Mount Guyot due to low clouds and poor visibility. By early afternoon, ground crews still had not reached the subject. At 5:00 p.m., a team from Mountain Rescue Service reached the hiker, but unfortunately, he was deceased. It was decided that all rescuers would come off the mountain for the night, and an extraction would be planned for the following day.
Ground teams from NH Fish and Game, Mountain Rescue Service, Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue Team, Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team, Lakes Region Search and Rescue, and the Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team departed before daybreak on Thursday, January 18, from Zealand Road to attempt different access to the Mount Guyot area. The New Hampshire Army National Guard would leave Concord at sunrise to try an aerial recovery. Weather conditions included temperatures in the single digits and still considerable wind. The cloud ceiling had lifted somewhat overnight, allowing the New Hampshire Army National Guard access to Mount Guyot. The helicopter was able to land and recover the body of the deceased hiker at around 8:30 a.m. The aerial recovery saved what would have been an arduous carry-out for the 15 Conservation Officers and over 30 volunteers who had responded and were on the trail.
The deceased hiker was identified as 37-year-old Christopher Roma of Thornton, New Hampshire. Roma was an experienced and well-known hiker who hiked extensively throughout New Hampshire’s White Mountains and beyond.
As a reminder to outdoor enthusiasts, winter conditions have arrived in the mountains of New Hampshire. Proper attire, including traction devices and snow shoes, is recommended. For safe hiking tips and a list of essential gear, visit hikesafe.com. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities.
WRONG! Snowstorm was predicted days in advance and forecast was accurate