CONTACT: Conservation Officer Lt. James Kneeland 603-744-5470 February 22, 2022

Lincoln, NH – On Sunday, February 21, at 11:45 a.m., Fish and Game was alerted to an injured hiker on the Fishing Jimmy Trail in Lincoln. Hiking companions contacted 911 to report that a 52 year-old female had slipped on an icy steep stretch of the trail and slid about 15 feet down the trail. During the sliding fall, the hiker had suffered a leg injury. The leg injury was going to prevent her from being able to hike out without assistance. The incident occurred about 1.2 miles above the Lonesome Lake hut and 2.2 miles from the trailhead. A rescue team comprised of volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team and Conservation Officers responded to the trailhead at Lafayette Campground.

At 2:45 p.m., the first rescuers arrived at the injured hiker’s location. Because of the steep and icy conditions, it took considerable time to stabilize the injury and package the injured hiker into a rescue litter. At 4:00 p.m., the rescue team started their descent towards the trailhead. At 6:20 p.m., the rescue party reached the trailhead and an awaiting ambulance. The injured hiker was transported by LinWood Ambulance to Littleton Regional Hospital for treatment and evaluation of her injury.

The injured hiker was identified as Laura Chandler of Dover, NH. Chandler had carried all the necessary equipment for a winter hike, including traction devices that are a necessary piece of equipment at this time of year.

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.