Wilderness Rescue: Forest Rangers Airlift Teen Camper from Nippletop Mountain Trail

Town of Keene, Essex County — July 29, 2025

A 14-year-old camper from Camp Chingachgook was rescued after losing consciousness during a hike near the Elk Pass area of Nippletop Mountain, prompting a rapid response from New York State Forest Rangers and State Police.

At approximately 6:56 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received the emergency call. Forest Ranger Quinn spoke directly with a camp counselor and advised them to immediately move the teen into the shade and begin aggressive cooling techniques using water.

Due to the remote terrain and urgency of the situation, New York State Police Aviation was called in. NYSP Pilot Engel transported Forest Rangers Lewis and O’Dell by helicopter to a swamp near the group’s location. Rangers navigated waist-deep water and thick mud to reach the unconscious camper.

The Rangers safely carried the teen through the swamp to the awaiting helicopter, which then transported the patient to a staged ambulance at Marcy Field for further medical attention. The camper’s current condition has not been released.

Out of concern for safety, Ranger Quinn advised the rest of the hiking group to remain on the mountain overnight, as they were fatigued from the day's trek and lacked sufficient headlamps to safely hike out in the dark. The group later returned safely to camp the following morning.

All rescue personnel cleared the scene by 8:43 p.m.

Sources: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2025/8/dec-forest-rangers-week-in-review