Hiker Rescued Overnight Near Mt Weeks After Losing Trail and Calling 911 in Cold Wet Conditions

BERLIN, N.H. — At approximately 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, a Fish and Game officer was notified about a hiker who had called 911 after losing the Kilkenny Ridge Trail between Mt. Weeks and Middle Weeks mountains. The hiker also reported being wet and cold and not possessing a light source or other essential gear. Along with NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers, volunteers from Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue (AVSAR) and Berlin Fire Department (BFD) responded to the call. The hiker, identified as Richard De Reyna, 57, of Westwood, MA, was 4.5 miles from the closest road. The rescue crew provided him with warm, dry clothes, warm liquids, and a light source. They then hiked 2.4 miles down to an awaiting ATV, where he was driven out the remaining two miles, arriving at the staged vehicles at 1:45 a.m.