Hiker dies on West Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness

HOLDERNESS — A hiker from Massachusetts died last week on West Rattlesnake Mountain.

First responders from Holderness, Plymouth and Sandwich Fire-Rescue, along with New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers, responded to a report of an unconscious hiker, at 11:22 a.m. on Oct. 3, on a trail on West Rattlesnake Mountain.

The hiker was identified as Richard Chateauneuf, 64, of Tyngsborough, Massachusetts. First responders located Chateauneuf 0.75 miles from the Old Bridle Path trailhead. Other hikers were giving him CPR when first responders arrived on scene. First responders then attempted CPR, but they were not able to revive Chateauneuf. He was carried to the trailhead.

New Hampshire Fish and Game Lt. Bradley Morse said they believed Chateauneuf had become separated from his hiking group, and most likely died of natural causes.

New Hampshire Fish and Game officers urge hikers to be prepared before setting out into the wilderness, “including packing the ten essential items: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife,” according to an Oct. 5 press release.