The body of an experienced hiker who was reported missing in New Hampshire’s White Mountains was found Wednesday, authorities said.
New Hampshire Fish and Game identified the victim as Christopher Romo, 37, of Thornton, New Hampshire, in a news release.
Authorities said they were alerted on Tuesday night that Roma were in trouble near Mount Bond in Lincoln. They said concerned relatives contacted 911 after talking to Roma on a cell phone. Later, Roma himself called 911 because the coordinates placed him between Mount Bond and Mount Guyot. Authorities added that before the call was lost, Roma said he was very cold.
Rescue efforts began with the first responders arriving early Wednesday morning, according to a news release from New Hampshire Fish and Game.
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“The rescue was slow as the rescuers had to wade through waist-deep snow, and once the rescuers were exposed above the tree line, they faced high winds and blowing snow. Realizing that progress would be slow, a call was made to the National Military to the New Hampshire Service The ranger will attempt to extricate the hiker by helicopter,” the statement said.
New Hampshire Fish and Game added that three separate New Hampshire Army National Guard flights were unable to approach Mount Guyot due to low clouds and poor visibility.
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A Mountain Rescue team was able to reach Roma late Wednesday afternoon, but he was dead, authorities said.
A helicopter eventually recovered Roma’s body Thursday, preventing a difficult recovery for the 15 conservation officers and more than 30 volunteers who responded and were on the trail, New Hampshire Fish and Game said.
The department said the weather forecast for the area at the time was snow and temperatures in the single digits.
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As reported by the Associated Press, Roma participated in skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and hiking while growing up. Among his accomplishments are the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail—all of which made up hiking’s “Triple Crown.” He also ran a guide service called the Northeast Trekking Company.
Christopher Roma.
Gofundme
“He always cared about people and wanted what was best for them,” Roma’s sister, Megan, told the AP, “to change their lives practically every time they went hiking. They would have good conversations.”
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According to a GoFundMe created for his family, Roma left behind a two-year-old son. By late Friday afternoon, more than $41,000 had been raised.
“While his family and friends are devastated by this loss, we find solace in knowing that he died doing what he loved,” the GoFundMe description reads, adding later: “The outpouring of love and support from the community around the world has been overwhelming. Chris was a friend to many and leaves behind a legacy of mercy and compassion.”
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