Hiker dies after significant fall in icy New Hampshire mountains

In New Hampshire's White Mountains, the body of 44-year-old Christopher Huyler was recovered over the weekend following a hiking accident. Huyler, who was from Littleton, went missing while hiking near Cannon Mountain on Friday. He informed his family he would return by 4 p.m., but when he failed to do so, his wife alerted the authorities. Search efforts commenced, and rescuers found Huyler's vehicle still parked in Franconia. Rescuers carried his body more than three miles off the mountain after discovering it at an elevation of approximately 2,800 feet. Huyler had been ascending a steep, iced-over slide when the accident occurred. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department reported that he was appropriately equipped for the hike, wearing micro spikes. The tragic incident highlights the dangers of winter hiking in New Hampshire, especially as winter conditions had set in with new snowfall and dropping temperatures. In light of this event, the Fish and Game Department has advised hikers to be adequately prepared for the challenging conditions in mountainous areas. The recovery operation involved nearly two dozen rescuers. Following the incident, the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the official cause of death. Huyler's death is a reminder of the risks associated with outdoor activities during harsher weather conditions, urging others to take caution during their hikes in similar regions. As New Hampshire's ski resorts prepare to open for the season, incidents like Huyler's serve as a sober reminder for those engaging in recreational activities in the often treacherous winter terrain. The authorities' warning underlines the necessity for proper preparation and awareness of the risks hikers face during this time of year.