News

Hiker who loses consciousness atop Mount Katahdin taken to a hospital by helicopter

Hiker who loses consciousness atop Mount Katahdin taken to a hospital by helicopter

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


MILLINOCKET, Maine (AP) A 20-year-old hiker lost consciousness on Maine’s tallest mountain and spent a scary night on the infamous Knife Edge Trail before being airlifted to safety by a Maine Army National Guard helicopter, officials said Wednesday.

The hiker began struggling after her group of six reached the summit of 5,269-foot Mount Katahdin around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and she was unable to go any farther while attempting to cross the Knife Edge, said Kevin Adam, director of Baxter State Park.

The hiker was airlifted to a hospital Sunday morning in Bangor, Adam said. She was released from the emergency room, but her condition was not known, he said.

It was a tense, hours-long situation after the group dialed 911 and a ranger arrived at 11:30 p.m. to find the hiker unconscious, Adam said.

The other hikers told rescuers the illness came on quickly on the Knife Edge, a narrow trail with steep dropoffs on both sides, said Mathew Lint, one of three members of North Search and Rescue who climbed the mountain to assist.

The rocky trail was narrow for eight people — two rangers and six hikers — who hunkered down until daylight, Adam said.

Lint and his rescue team also spent the night on the mountain, and they assisted the five remaining hikers on an 11-hour hike to the bottom. Along the way, the group learned that the distressed hiker was in stable condition at the hospital, he said.

Latest Headlines

11 hours ago in Local

Portland police say parents won’t press charges after student grabbed while walking to school

No charges are expected after an eighth-grade student at King Middle School in Portland was grabbed by the wrist by an unknown person while walking to school on Thursday.

11 hours ago in Local

Gov. Mills directs Maine DHHS to fully fund SNAP benefits for November

Gov. Janet Mills announced Friday that Maine will fully fund SNAP benefits for the month of November.

1 day ago in Local

Text Messages Show Maine Border Patrol Agent Bragged About Chicago Shooting

The text messages came to light in federal court this week.

1 day ago in Local

Portland Jetport Bracing for Cancellations with Air Traffic Reduction Order

The Jetport is encouraging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.

1 day ago in Local

Police Looking for 17-Year-Old Missing Since Sunday

Officers say Mary Hembree was supposed to be spending the night with friends in Brewer.