A tragic hiking accident in New Hampshire’s White Mountains has left a community mourning the loss of an experienced outdoorsman. Christopher Huyler, a 44-year-old from Littleton, was out checking the conditions of a ski glade for the upcoming winter season when he suffered a fatal fall on icy terrain.
Christopher had set out last Friday morning, planning to hike through the Coppermine Brook Valley to an area near the middle Cannon Ball. He was preparing for the winter skiing season, something he clearly had a passion for. Around 4 p.m., he sent a reassuring message to his wife, letting her know he was safe and on his way back home.
But as hours passed and Christopher didn’t return, his wife grew concerned and reached out to authorities for help. By 6:30 p.m., a search was underway.
The Franconia Police quickly located his car parked at the trailhead off Route 116. With a general idea of his planned route, a team of conservation officers began their search around 9 p.m. However, the task ahead was anything but easy. The search area was mostly off-trail, with rescuers bushwhacking through dense vegetation and navigating steep, icy conditions.
It was just after midnight when the team spotted Christopher’s body at about 2,800 feet elevation on the edge of a dangerously icy slope. Sadly, it was clear that he had taken a severe fall.
Retrieving his body proved to be a significant challenge. More help was called in, and by 5:30 a.m., additional rescuers arrived to assist. Together, the team of 22 rescuers carried Christopher’s body on a difficult 3.2-mile journey back to the trailhead, completing their mission just before 9 a.m. The assistant medical examiner was waiting for them upon arrival.
Christopher was described as an “avid outdoor enthusiast” who loved exploring New Hampshire’s White Mountains year-round. He was well-prepared for his hike, wearing microspikes and carrying proper gear, according to officials. An autopsy is planned to confirm the exact cause of his death.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of how unpredictable and dangerous winter conditions in the mountains can be. New Hampshire Fish and Game encourages all hikers to be fully prepared before heading out. They advise carrying essential items like a map, compass, extra warm clothing, food, water, and a headlamp, among other safety tools.
For those who knew Christopher, his love for the outdoors was undeniable. His tragic passing has left a deep void in the hiking community and among those who shared his passion for the White Mountains.