Hooksett, NH - Members of the Hooksett Fire Department and a New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer responded to a call for an injured hiker in Bear Brook State Park today, Wednesday June 7, 2017.

Levi Parry, 60 years old from Pembroke, New Hampshire began hiking yesterday around 6:00 p.m. Parry parked his car near the Bear Hill Pond Camps in Allenstown to go for a short hike. After hiking for about an hour Parry became disoriented and was soon overcome by darkness. Without a cell phone or a flashlight, Parry was unable to call for help and had to try to navigate through the woods in complete darkness. While trying to navigate in complete darkness Parry fell down and injured himself. After falling, Parry was not able to get back on his feet and he crawled through the woods for the majority of the night; until he came to the corridor 15 snowmobile trail that runs through Bear Brook State Park in Hooksett.

At approximately 11:45 this morning a New Hampshire Fish and Game Biologist, who was studying turtles in the area, came across Parry. The Biologist quickly rendered aid to Parry and called for emergency personnel. Emergency personnel arrived at Parry's location at 12:35 p.m. Parry was then placed in a litter and driven out of the woods to an awaiting ambulance to be transported to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.

This incident is a good reminder to all people recreating in the outdoors to dress appropriately, hike with a partner or group and carry necessary equipment. Having appropriate gear aides in safety. Parry is extremely lucky that the biologist happened to be in the area this morning, if not this outcome could have been tragic. Please visit www.hikesafe.com for a list of recommended hiking equipment.


Posted 6/8/17