One cardinal rule of hiking is that you should always wear proper footwear, like hiking boots to avoid nasty trips and falls. Another is that you never leave anyone behind on the trail, however, one group of hikers in New Hampshire missed that memo over the July 4 holiday, triggering a search and rescue mission when they lost their companion.
According to a news release from New Hampshire Fish and Game, the department received a report of a missing hiker in Monadnock State Park at around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. Isam Hejazi, 22 of South Easton, MA had reportedly last been seen just after 3:00 p.m. near the junction of White Dot and White Cross Trails when his party had abandoned him due to his walking pace.
"His hiking companions had left him behind when Hejazi began struggling with the pace of his companions," writes the report.
"Once they left Hejazi, his hiking companions were unable to locate him again."
Park Rangers immediately began searching the area in an attempt to locate Hejazi before contacting search and rescue and Fish and Game Conservation Officers for help. While the secondary teams were mobilizing, Hejazi appeared safe and sound at the park headquarters.
Even though this is a missing hiker story that ends well, officials were quick to caution walkers about the dangers of splitting up on the trail.
"Do not hike alone and never leave behind a hiking companion, especially if they are struggling."
Any time you are setting off on a hike, it is imperative that you stick to your abilities and tell someone where you are going. Carry emergency gear such as a bivy sack and satellite communicator, start and end together with your group and pace your group according to the slowest person.
