Rescuers helped guide three hikers caught in whiteout conditions on Franconia Ridge in New Hampshire to safety after responding to an SOS alert Sunday evening.
The response began around 5:30 p.m. when the New Hampshire Fish and Game Rescue Coordination Center received an SOS alert from the area of Mount Lincoln. By calling the listed emergency contacts, conservation officers learned that three hikers had been caught in whiteout conditions while hiking the Falling Waters/Bridle Path Loop. The hikers had texted that they needed help and were struggling with cold-related injuries.
The hikers had a Garmin device that allowed rescuers to track their movements as they continued to the summit of Mount Lafayette. A team of rescuers, including conservation officers and volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team, eventually caught up with the hikers during their descent, meeting up around 9:10 p.m. After giving the hikers fresh lights, the whole group made it to the trailhead by 10:20 p.m.
Officials said the group identified as a 24-year-old from Boston, a 24-year-old from Cambridge and a 25-year-old from Boston, were fairly well-prepared for a winter hike but lacked experience above the treeline. They started the trip around 9 a.m., taking the Falling Waters Trail to Franconia Ridge. They started to struggle on the ridge due to deep snow and whiteout conditions that made it hard to keep to the trail.
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Officials said the hikers began to panic when they activated the SOS on their device, but knew it would take hours for rescuers to arrive and feared turning back would be more dangerous.
The group had a Hike Safe Card and had informed their emergency contacts of their plans before heading out. This was supposed to be a training hike for Mount Washington, which is now on hold. The hikers were grateful to the rescuers.
Franconia Ridge is a well-known hiking area in the White Mountains that includes a series of trails through Mount Lafayette, Mount Lincoln, and Little Haystack. Conditions can quickly become hazardous in the winter.
Hikers are reminded to prepare for winter conditions and always pack these 10 essentials: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife. For more information on hiking safety, visit hikeSafe.com.
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A prelicensed therapist who had been practicing in Bow, N.H., was arrested Monday based on an allegation that he sexually assaulted a patient during an in-office visit, police said.
Daniel Thibeault, who faces two counts of felonious sexual assault and one count of aggravated felonious sexual assault, is being held at the Merrimack County jail pending his arraignment, according to a statement from the Bow Police Department.
Daniel Thibeault, a New Hampshire therapist arrested for alleged sexual assault of a patient.Courtesy of Bow Police Department
Thibeault had been a candidate for licensure who was subject to a supervisory agreement since May 2024, according to state records. His arrest comes after the presiding officer of the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice suspended his privileges to practice in the state in late December, citing the alleged assault.
Bow police had notified the state’s Office of Professional Licensure and Certification in early December that Thibeault was accused of sexually assaulting the patient despite her “audible demands to stop,” according to an order signed by an administrative law judge.
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The incident was reported to Bow police in August, prompting an investigation by Detective Sergeant Tyler Coady that led to a warrant being issued for Thibeault‘s arrest, police said.
Efforts to reach Thibeault for comment were unsuccessful Monday. It was not immediately clear whether he has an attorney.
Police said the investigation is considered active and ongoing. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Coady at 603-223-3956 or tcoady@bownhpd.gov.
Steven Porter can be reached at steven.porter@globe.com. Follow him @reporterporter.
