Hooksett hiker dies after medical emergency on Mount Major

ALTON — A 68-year-old hiker who had a medical emergency on Mount Major died Thursday. 

Scott Johnson, 68, of Hooksett, died the afternoon of July 2, after a representative from the state Office of the Medical Examiner determined lifesaving efforts by first responders were ineffective.

Town police and firefighters were called about a patient with a suspected heart condition about 0.7 miles from the Mount Major trailhead, at 2:06 p.m. on Thursday, according to Police Chief Adam Painchaud.

According to NH Fish and Game Sgt. Alex Lopashasnki, Johnson was hiking by himself, and called 911 to report he was having a medical emergency. While on the phone, he became unresponsive, and a group of hikers walking by found him, with the phone call connected. Lopashanski said they began administering CPR, and got back on the phone to report Johnson wasn’t breathing.

Lopashanski said town firefighters were able to get to Johnson with an off-road vehicle, and continued lifesaving efforts when they arrived.

Painchaud said one patrol officer was sent to the trail to assist. Gilmanton Fire Personnel also responded to the call.

Painchaud said it was considered an untimely death, and Johnson died by the time he was taken to the base of the mountain, and so the County Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner were notified.

The weather was extremely hot on the afternoon of July 2, during a heat wave that come through the region, sending temperatures above 90 degrees for days, with heat indices of more than 100 degrees. Lopashanski thought heat could have played a factor, but could not say for certain.

The cause of Johnson's death has not been determined, and the family requested an autopsy be conducted to find out.