Experienced hiker dies in brutal weather in White Mountains

THORNTON, N.H. — An experienced hiker who had accomplished the “Triple Crown” of challenging cross-country trails died in New Hampshire's White Mountains during a solo hike in brutal conditions, including single-digit temperatures, harsh winds and waist-deep snow.

Christopher Roma, 37, was an expert hiker who ran his own long-distance trail guide business and had walked this familiar trail many times before. He had begun the hike with two other people, but the others felt it was too much for them and turned around, his mother told The Associated Press.

“Once you get to a certain point, you have to make that choice to continue or turn back,” Barabara Roma said. “And he was never really a turning-back kind of kid.”

Concerned friends of Roma started calling 911 at about 10:20 p.m. Tuesday after speaking with him by cellphone. Roma himself eventually reached the emergency line saying he was very cold.

That call enabled authorities to get coordinates placing Roma between Mount Bond and Mount Guyot.

A large team of Fish and Game conservation officers and search and rescue squads assembled, and set out as of 2 a.m. Wednesday, but was slowed by blowing snow. A New Hampshire Army National Guard helicopter crew made three separate flights, but couldn't get near the targeted area on Mount Guyot because of low clouds and poor visibility, Lt. James Kneeland of the Fish and Game Department said.

By the time ground crews reached Roma at 5 p.m., he was dead.

The helicopter was able to recover his body on Thursday morning, saving what would have been a difficult carry-out for 15 conservation officers and more than 30 volunteers who were on their way to him.