A 23-year-old man set out for a hike on the Franconia Ridge Trail in New Hampshire last weekend, but this unprepared hiker left behind a few essentials—like food, water, and a light source. Unfortunately, he hadn’t made it below the tree line before dark, and the weather was taking a turn for the worse. The man called for help, and help came.
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The Northeast Explorer reports that New Hampshire Fish and Game officials sent conservation officers up to retrieve the unprepared hiker. They gave him what he needed and escorted him back down the mountain to the parking lot.
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The man said he hadn’t planned on hiking for so long, so he hadn’t brought the essentials. Officials said they’ll be charging him for the cost of the rescue.
Some people applaud officials’ decision, and others say it sets a dangerous precedent.
“Good. He should be charged for putting others at risk. Hoping the similarly unprepared masses that show up to do this hike take notice. Doubtful, but one can hope,” wrote one person in a comment on Northeast Explorer’s Instagram post explaining the situation.
“This sets a bad precedent. Not saying that the guy isn’t at fault here; but if you charge for a rescue then it has a chilling effect and people (especially someone unprepared) will be less likely to call for a rescue when they need one. This is life and death, have some compassion,” wrote another person.
The moral of the story? Mistakes and accidents happen, but don’t be an unprepared hiker.
Header stock image of the Franconia Ridge Trail by Christopher R Mazza/Getty Images
