Forest Rangers Rescue Hypothermic Hiker in Catskills Wilderness

CATSKILL PARK, N.Y. — New York State Forest Rangers conducted an overnight wilderness rescue after a hiker became stranded and suffered hypothermia in the Catskills.

According to officials, on January 16 at approximately 1:30 p.m., Forest Ranger Jeffery encountered a 33-year-old hiker who was beginning a hike of Table Mountain along the Phoenicia East Branch Trail. Ranger Jeffery expressed concern about the late start, but the hiker indicated they were properly equipped and confident in their ability to complete the hike.

At 2:27 a.m., the hiker, a resident of Hopewell Junction, activated an SOS on a satellite communication device. The distress signal included coordinates placing the hiker on Fisherman’s Path, a trailless route that parallels the Neversink River and is commonly used as an exit route from several Catskill peaks. Icy road conditions delayed Forest Ranger response times.

At approximately 6:30 a.m., Forest Rangers Franceschina and Jeffery located the hiker, who was visibly suffering from rapidly progressing hypothermia after falling into the river and becoming fully submerged.

Rangers immediately changed the hiker into dry clothing, applied a heated blanket, and provided hot liquids. During the rescue, the hiker told rangers that they had altered their original plans and attempted a route that included Lone, Peekamoose, Table, and Rocky Mountains.

Rangers assisted the hiker to the trailhead and advised them to seek further medical evaluation if symptoms such as swelling, blistering, or discoloration developed. All rescue resources were cleared from the scene at approximately 8:30 a.m.

Forest Rangers remind hikers to carefully plan routes, account for daylight hours, and be prepared for rapidly changing winter conditions in the backcountry.