An ill-prepared hiker from Virginia sparked controversy on Mount Washington Tuesday, leading to a rescue operation and potential financial consequences. Tristan James Murrin, 27, of Virginia Beach, found himself in hot water after forcing his way into a State Park Sno-Cat vehicle at the summit and refusing to leave.

New Hampshire Fish and Game officials reported that Murrin had been advised against hiking due to inclement weather but chose to proceed anyway, aiming to “beat the storm.” Starting his ascent up Tuckerman Ravine Trail at 5 a.m., Murrin reached the summit around 11 a.m., accompanied by his large dog.

Upon arrival, Murrin’s actions led to a brief altercation with park staff. “He was woefully unprepared for the summit conditions,” said Colonel Kevin Jordan, head of Fish and Game’s law enforcement. “The presence of his dog further complicated the rescue situation.”

After de-escalating the situation, park staff drove Murrin and his canine companion down the mountain. At the base, conservation officers attempted to interview Murrin, but he refused to cooperate further and opted to walk back to his vehicle at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about unprepared hikers on Mount Washington, known for its notoriously unpredictable weather. Despite being only 6,288 feet tall, the peak has claimed more lives than many taller mountains due to its extreme conditions.

New Hampshire is unique in its approach to search and rescue costs. Unlike most states, it regularly bills hikers deemed negligent for their rescue expenses. This policy, while controversial, aims to offset the rising costs of rescue operations and encourage better preparation among hikers.

“We’re seeing an increasing number of unprepared hikers putting themselves and rescuers at risk,” Jordan added. “This billing policy is one way we’re trying to address the issue.”

Outdoor enthusiasts and safety experts stress the importance of proper planning and equipment when tackling Mount Washington, especially during shoulder seasons when the weather rapidly deteriorates.

Officials have recommended that Murrin receive a bill for the rescue costs, citing his lack of preparedness and initial uncooperativeness.

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A driver who reached triple digit speeds on I-95 was taken into custody Wednesday after the person fled from New Hampshire state police, crossed into Massachusetts, and crashed near exit 76B, law enforcement said in a statement.

New Hampshire State Police noticed the speeding driver around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday by a trooper in an airplane who was conducting a “traffic enforcement initiative” in Greenland after “recent hazardous driving behaviours and crashes in the areas.

The state trooper saw a dark-colored vehicle traveling at over 100 mph while passing other vehicles, New Hampshire State Police said in a statement.

“While personnel in the state police aircraft followed the vehicle, troopers noted the driver appeared to increase speed and used all lanes on the road, including the breakdown lane, to pass other vehicles,” police said.

New Hampshire State Police chased the car into Massachusetts, where Massachusetts State Police joined the pursuit. But minutes later, police backed off the car “due to public safety concerns,” New Hampshire authorities said.

“Minutes later, Troopers learned the vehicle went off the road and crashed after the driver failed to negotiate a curve near exit 76B. The driver of the vehicle involved in the pursuit, an adult male, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment,” New Hampshire State Police said.

The identity of the driver was not released but “criminal charges in both states are forthcoming,” New Hampshire State Police said.

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