Missouri hiker sent to hospital after icy fall on Mount Major

ALTON — A hiker from Missouri was sent to the hospital after slipping on an icy Mount Major trail Friday night.

Garrett Majobian, 23, of Ferguson, Missouri, left from the trailhead at 4:30 p.m. on March 28, with his wife, and reached the summit at 7:20 p.m., according to information from New Hampshire Fish and Game officers. Shortly after starting back down, Majobian slipped on ice and fell.

Due to a “debilitating shoulder injury,” he was unable to continue hiking, and his wife called 911. Lt. Brad Morse, of Fish and Game, said he dislocated his shoulder, according to his wife.

Gilford Fire Chief Steve Carrier said crews arrived at Mount Major at 8:23 p.m. on March 28, as Alton firefighters were busy with a three-car accident where three minors were taken to local hospitals for evaluation.

Gilford was called for a person falling on ice on the Yellow Trail and injuring his shoulder. Carrier said Gilford Fire responded to the parking lot with a utility vehicle and an ambulance, and stayed in contact with the Alton Fire Department, and Fish and Game.

A Gilford firefighter spoke with Majobian's spouse to confirm the location, and told the couple to stay there.

“We made contact with the patient, and some of the trails were bare, but others were snow-covered,” Carrier said.

As soon as a firefighter from Alton was available, they arrived shortly after Gilford Fire, at about 8:30 p.m., and all entered the woods. They found Majobian at 9:36 p.m. Two Gilford firefighters drove onto the trail with their utility vehicle, and additional personnel from Gilmanton Fire were called to the scene to assist.

A Gilford paramedic gave aid to Majobian, according to Fish and Game, and the hiker was able to walk, with assistance, to the utility vehicle nearby.

Carrier said Gilford’s utility vehicle brought Majobian down the remaining part of the trail. An ambulance from Gilford brought Majobian to Concord Hospital-Laconia, and the ambulance left at 11:47 p.m.

Fish and Game officers also responded, as well as members of Lakes Region Search and Rescue.

Fish and Game officers reminded hikers and those participating in outdoor recreation to be careful of winter conditions that still exist in the mountains.

“Hikers should be prepared to encounter ice, snow, and low temperatures,” according to a Fish and Game press release. “Traction devices and additional warm clothing should always be carried when venturing outdoors in remote locations.”

Alton Fire Chief James Reinert said Majobian not only injured his shoulder, but was experiencing signs of “mild hypothermia.”

“He was not prepared for the elements,” Reinert said.

Morse said Majobian did not have a Hike Safe card, and was “definitely not prepared for the conditions.” He noted while it was about 45 degrees at the start of the hike, by nightfall it was about 19 degrees. Majobian will not be charged for the rescue.

While it is officially spring, the conditions of trails can differ vastly by location and time of the day. Morse recommended hikers be familiar with the Hike Safe 10 essentials needed for hiking.

“You need to be prepared for a worst case scenario, being an injury,” Morse said.

With the potential for cold temperatures, he said it is good for hikers to have the ability to make a fire if needed.

Along with being properly dressed, Reinert recommended bringing along food and water, and a charged cell phone. Reinert also said to be aware the temperatures can fluctuate greatly this time of year.

“Try to be well prepared for the temperatures, and forecast out, because things could change on a dime,” Reinert said. “If you are doing any sort of elevation, you could see a significant drop in temperature.”

Carrier also urged hikers to use caution when entering the woods, including having proper gear to navigate potentially slippery spots.

“I think when you are in those variable conditions, you need to be prepared for clear paths, but also areas where micro-spikes or crampons are needed to get through snow and ice,” Carrier said.

For information about essential gear and other safe hiking tips, or a Hike Safe card, visit hikesafe.com.