Mountain Rescuers Save Two Hypothermic Hikers in NH

A midnight mountain rescue turned into a powerful story of teamwork and determination when volunteers saved two young hikers from life-threatening hypothermia in New Hampshire's White Mountains.

On Friday evening, 19-year-olds Dmytro Grechko and Jason Fisher called for help from Mount Lafayette's summit after being caught in cold, rainy conditions without proper gear. They had no lights, no warm clothing, and zero visibility as temperatures dropped.

The Appalachian Mountain Club's Greenleaf Hut crew immediately hiked toward the summit through the storm. They found both hikers less than a quarter mile below the peak, with Grechko unresponsive and Fisher cold but alert.

The AMC crew quickly set up emergency shelter and wrapped the hikers in dry clothing to stop their body temperatures from dropping further. When Grechko's condition remained critical, two additional volunteer rescue teams joined the effort.

More than a dozen rescuers worked through brutal weather to carry Grechko down the mountain. They reached the Greenleaf Hut at 2:55 a.m., where they could finally provide proper shelter and warming treatment.

Why This Inspires

The rescue showcased the incredible dedication of volunteer search and rescue teams who risk their own safety for strangers. One volunteer was seriously injured during the treacherous descent but the team never stopped working.

While treating the hikers at the hut, rescuers saw Grechko slowly improve. After hours of careful warming, he regained consciousness, a moment that made the dangerous night mission worthwhile.

The team also helped a second group of hypothermic hikers that same night, providing lights and dry clothing to guide them safely off the mountain. No rescue was too small when lives were at stake.

By 7:55 a.m. Saturday, after nearly 12 hours of coordinated rescue efforts, Grechko walked down to the trailhead with support. An ambulance transported him to Littleton Regional Hospital for additional treatment.

The rescue teams never hesitated, proving that when someone needs help in the mountains, an entire community of trained volunteers stands ready to answer the call.