It took 11 rescuers 11 hours to get him out.
New Hampshire's infamous Mount Washington nearly claimed another life this past weekend after 22-year-old hiker Cole Matthes slid down into a ravine amidst strong winds and freezing temperatures. The incident prompted an 11-man, 11-hour rescue operation and drew criticism from rescuers, who said Matthes was ill-prepared for his journey.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Matthes largely agreed.
“I am extremely grateful to all 11 of the men who saved my life Saturday and am also extremely sorry that they had to risk their lives to save me,” he said. “I certainly made poor decisions and was underprepared for this hike.”
Matthes had intended to complete the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail loop hike, which stretches 9 miles and gains over 4,000 feet of elevation. According to a press release from the New Hampshire Fish and Game (NHFG), the hiker ignored advice from others to turn back.
"Matthes made numerous poor decisions in regards to the hike that he planned in the White Mountains," the press release reads. "He did not have proper gear, equipment, or weather planning, and did not make proper critical decisions in order to keep himself out of harm’s way and moving in the right direction on a dangerous mountain range.
In his Associated Press interview, Matthes confirmed some of this account. “While I did see a group of hikers turn around at the Lake of the Clouds Hut, I decided to continue with other hikers,” he explained. “I was not hiking alone at that point and the weather conditions had not reached their peak.”
After falling into the ravine, he called 911 for help. Rescuers spent nearly 12 hours looking for him, finally able to locate him when he was able to pull himself out of the ravine and make it back to the Lake of the Clouds Hut. NHFG said rescuers faced "sustained winds at 90+ mph, a wind chill of -52°F, and an ambient temperature of -9°F."
“I was extremely relieved once the first team of rescuers arrived,” Matthes said. “Even with my shelter, I wouldn’t have lasted through the night in my condition.”
After being warmed up and stripped of wet clothes, Matthes was able to hike out with the assistance of his rescue team.
"If it was not for the willingness and timeliness of the Cog Railway, the rescuers, and others, Matthes would have undoubtedly died on the mountain," said the NHFG release. "The list of people who have died on the Presidential Range will stay at 173 for now thanks to the rescue effort that saved Cole Matthes’s life on Saturday, February 17, 2024."
