Hiker in Medical Distress in Signal Ridge Trail

July 31, 2022

Livermore, NH – On Sunday, July 31 shortly after 7:00 a.m., New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified that a personal locator beacon (PLB) had been activated and indicated that a medical emergency had occurred on the Signal Ridge Trail just under a half mile from the trailhead. The beacon was registered to John Nesel, 34, of Castleton On Hudson, NY.

Nesel and his hiking partner had gone up the trail on Saturday evening and established a camp site. During the night, John began experiencing abdominal pain which did not subside. After activating the beacon at 7:00 a.m., with the help of his friend and passing hikers, Nesel was able to make his way back to the trailhead where he was met by responding Conservation Officers, members of the Lakes Region Search and Rescue, and the Bartlett / Jackson Ambulance Service. Shortly after 9:00 a.m., Nesel was taken by ambulance to the Memorial Hospital in North Conway for treatment.