Full Breakdown
Rescue Operation for Two Hikers on Mount Lafayette
12/16/2025, 12:33:35 PM
Incident Overview
On December 12, 2025, at approximately 9:45 p.m., two hikers, Shane Squires, 35, from New Bedford, MA, and Robert Conlon, 41, from Haverhill, MA, were reported lost while descending from the summit of Mount Lafayette via the Greenleaf Trail in New Hampshire. The hikers encountered severe winter conditions, including heavy winds, temperatures around 10°F, and waist-deep snow. One hiker sustained a lower-leg injury and was unable to continue, while the other exhibited signs of severe hypothermia, losing consciousness intermittently.
Rescue Efforts
New Hampshire Fish and Game officials were alerted to the situation and initiated a rescue operation. A team of Conservation Officers and volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team began their trek to locate the hikers at 11:25 p.m. Despite the challenging conditions, the team made periodic contact with the distressed hikers. A helicopter crew from the Army National Guard was dispatched but could not reach the hikers due to cloud cover at elevations around 3,700 feet.
The first rescue team arrived on-site at approximately 2:45 a.m. on December 13, providing warmth and additional clothing to the hikers. By 3:00 a.m., the group began their return to the Greenleaf Trail, and the previously reported leg injury was determined to be less severe than initially thought. The rescue team and hikers reached the trailhead by 5:30 a.m., where Squires and Conlon were able to drive themselves to a hospital for treatment of frostbite.
Hiker Preparedness and Safety Concerns
Officials from New Hampshire Fish and Game noted that the hikers were ill-equipped for the conditions they faced. They had embarked on a nearly nine-mile hike at 1:00 p.m. without appropriate clothing or navigational tools, relying solely on a cell phone for navigation. The incident has raised concerns about hiker preparedness, especially as winter conditions have already set in, despite the official start of winter being December 21.
Official Statements & Responses
New Hampshire Fish and Game emphasized the importance of adhering to the hiker responsibility code outlined by the HikeSafe program. They stated, “If hikers cannot adhere to the hiker responsibility code, they should consider staying home. Rescues of this magnitude and conditions put rescue personnel at great risk.” This statement underscores the potential dangers that ill-prepared hikers pose not only to themselves but also to the rescue teams.
Criticism & Opposition
The incident has drawn criticism regarding the hikers' decision to undertake a challenging hike without proper gear. Officials have reiterated the need for hikers to be adequately prepared for the conditions they may encounter, especially in mountainous areas during winter.
Conclusion
The rescue of Shane Squires and Robert Conlon serves as a reminder of the critical importance of preparedness and safety in outdoor activities. As winter conditions continue to affect the region, authorities urge all hikers to prioritize safety and adhere to established guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
