Injured Hiker on Mt. Potash Trail
Waterville Valley: On Sunday, May 9th shortly before 4:30 PM New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified that a hiker was injured on the Mt. Potash Trail. The hiker was Kenneth Winitzer, 65 of Conway, NH. Kenneth was hiking with his wife Jill when he fell and injured his hip while descending the trail. A passing hiker was able to hike back up the trail in order to gain cell service and placed a call for help. Kenneth and Jill were also equipped with an Emergency Personal Locator Beacon and were able to activate it.
Along with Conservation Officers members of Lakes Region Search and Rescue responded. Rescuers located Kenneth a little over a mile from the trailhead. He was placed in a litter and carried out to a Forest Service Road adjacent to the trail and driven the remaining distance to the trailhead. He arrived back at the trailhead shortly before 7:00 PM and was taken by ambulance to the Memorial Hospital in North Conway for treatment.
Lakes Region Search and Rescue is a highly skilled volunteer search and rescue organization whose members work hard to maintain the skills and equipment necessary to carry out mountain rescues. Anyone can donate to Lakes Region Search and through the New Hampshire Outdoor Council at www.nhoutdoorcouncil.org. Donations are fully tax deductible. Outdoor enthusiasts are also encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at www.wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities. For safe hiking tips and a list of essential gear, visit hikesafe.com.
