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.
A driver was killed in a 3-vehicle crash on the Everett Turnpike in Nashua, N.H. that also sent a Massachusetts woman, another driver and several children to the hospital, New Hampshire State Police said.
Theresa Douville of Hooksett, N.H. was driving a 2020 Honda CRV around 4:30 p.m. when she allegedly failed to slow down for traffic stopped in the northbound lane, State Police said in a statement.
She crashed into an Infiniti QX 60 driven by Gyna Santana, 35, of Lawence, who had children in her car, the statement said.
Santana’s car then hit another Infiniti QX 60 driven by Madison Berube, 30, of Hooksett, who also had chldren in the car, State Police said.
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Douville, 69, was treated at the scene for serious injuries by emergency workers. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, the statement said.
Santana, Berube, and multiple children from both vehicles were taken to a local hospital to be evaluated as a precaution, police said.
Three lanes of northbound traffic were shut down for about an hour while troopers processed the scene.
The crash remains under investigation.
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Adam Sennott can be reached at adam.sennott@globe.com.
Have you ever wanted to meet the people who work every day to help keep your community safe? Now you and your family have the perfect opportunity!
One of my favorite things about living in New Hampshire is how the community genuinely makes the effort to know one another. Whether its neighbors lending a helping hand, local businesses supporting fundraisers, or first responders showing up for community events, there’s a real sense that we’re all in this together.
Events like Coffee with a Cop are a perfect example of that Granite State spirit!
Coffee with a Cop gives residents the chance to sit down with the dedicated men and women of the Bedford Police Department in a casual setting. Just real conversations over coffee and pastries.
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This is a wonderful opportunity for children to meet police officers outside of an emergency situation. Instead of only seeing officers during stressful moments or traffic stops, they get to laugh, ask questions, and learn about the people behind the badge.
As a newer mom, I don’t take for granted the people who work every day to protect the community my child is growing up in.
If you’re looking for a simple way to connect with your neighbors while supporting your local law enforcement, stop by Simply Delicious Bakery on Wednesday, July 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Grab a cold drink, enjoy a pastry, and spend a few minutes getting to know the people who work tirelessly to help keep Bedford a safe place to call home.
READ MORE: The Next Great Filmmaker Could Be Premiering Their Work Right Here In New Hampshire
I love highlighting stories like this because they remind us what makes New Hampshire special. It’s not just the beautiful scenery, it’s the people who continue to show up for one another.
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Gallery Credit: Megan Murphy
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Thank you to Lynne DeMelio-Rafferty for creating this.
Independent filmmaking isn’t just alive; it’s helping shape the future of storytelling.
As technology continues to level the playing field, passionate creators have more opportunities than ever to tell meaningful stories outside the traditional Hollywood system. That’s exactly why events like the Creative Guts Short Film Festival deserve our support.
“The spirit of this festival is to celebrate the creativity, voice, and collaboration of filmmakers.” Now in its third year, The Creative Guts Short Film Festival gives a platform for filmmakers from all genres and different levels of experience to showcase their 15-minute pieces. The films selected this year were based upon a jury panel and even have a chance at the opportunity to screen at Red River Theatres on a limited run after the festival.
How cool is that!?
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Awards in different categories will also be given to chosen filmmakers at the end of the event.
The evolution of cinema:
According to one of the UK’s biggest film festivals (Raindance), “The old model of filmmaking was built around gatekeepers.”
“Studios controlled production. Distributors controlled access. Television networks controlled visibility. Film festivals controlled discovery. Audiences arrived at the end of the pipeline. That structure shaped the kind of stories that could exist.”
Today, that model is rapidly changing. Raindance explains, “That pipeline is collapsing in real time. A filmmaker with a phone, editing software, and a direct audience relationship can now build attention faster than institutions that once controlled the entire ecosystem. That changes everything.”
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As someone who has spent years in the filmmaking world, I know firsthand that audiences don’t always see the countless late nights, rewrites, equipment hiccups, and endless problem-solving that happen long before a film ever reaches the screen.
Every finished project represents months (or even years) of hard work, creativity, and determination.
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A reason to support:
That’s one of the reasons I love short film festivals. Instead of committing to one feature-length movie, you get to experience a wide range of storytelling styles, genres, and perspectives all in one afternoon.
The best films don’t just entertain you, they linger long after the credits. They spark conversations on the drive home, challenge the way you see the world, or introduce you to a filmmaker whose work you’ll be eager to follow.
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If you’re looking to experience something different while supporting New Hampshire’s creative community, this festival is a great place to start. You may discover your next favorite filmmaker before everyone else does!
2026 Creative Guts Short Film Festival
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Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026 Time: 6:00PM Location: Red River Theatres, Concord, NH Early bird price: $15 (June 15th to June 30th) Regular price: $20 (July 1st to July 30th)
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