Avid hiker found dead on icy trail hours after texting wife he’s okay, NH officials say

An “avid” New Hampshire hiker texted his wife that he was coming home, then was reported missing and found dead hours later near an icy mountain trail, officials say.

Christopher Huyler, 44, was hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains on Friday, Nov. 22, when he went missing, the state Fish and Game Department said in a news release.

Huyler, of Littleton, was “well-equipped” and an “avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed New Hampshire’s White Mountains in all seasons,” officials said.

Around 4 p.m. Friday, Huyler sent a text message to his wife saying that he was okay and would be heading back down to his car to drive home. But when he didn’t show up, she called for help at 6:30 p.m., officials said.

Search crews knew to look for Huyler on Coppermine Trail, near Franconia, the release said, adding that he was scoping out a ski glade in the area in preparation for the winter skiing season.

Crews reached the trailhead at 9 p.m. and began their trek up through rough terrain and cold conditions.

“The area needing to be searched was primarily off trail and required bushwhacking thru thick vegetation while wintery conditions were present,” officials said.

Roughly four hours after beginning their search, crews found Huyler’s body while “ascending the edges of a steep iced over slide,” according to officials.

“The body of the missing man was located at around 2800 feet in elevation.”

A team of more than 20 people, including volunteers, recovered Huyler and carried him 3.2 miles, reaching the Coppermine trailhead at 9 a.m., where the medical examiner was waiting, the release said.

The medical examiner determined Huyler “suffered a significant fall in icy terrain,” officials said.

He was wearing micro spikes on his shoes or boots, according to officials. It’s unclear what caused him to fall.

“An autopsy is planned,” officials said.

The White Mountains can prove dangerous even to experienced outdoors enthusiasts.

“The weather in the mountains can be unpredictable even if it is forecasted to be a gorgeous day,” the U.S. Forest Service says.

Preparation and proper equipment are critical, especially in the winter.

“Winter conditions have (arrived) in the mountains and hikers are encouraged to be prepared for their trek to include packing the ten essential items; map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets & pants, and a knife,” state officials said.

Franconia is a roughly 100-mile drive north from Manchester.

This story was originally published November 24, 2024 at 9:04 AM with the headline "Avid hiker found dead on icy trail hours after texting wife he’s okay, NH officials say."