82-Year-Old Hiker Spends Sub-Freezing Night Lost In NH Woods
DURHAM, NH (CBS) - An 82-year-old hiker has been rescued after spending a night lost in the woods in New Hampshire in sub-freezing temperatures.
Police say Bruce Charity went hiking Monday afternoon in an area off Dame Road in Durham. His wife reported him missing Monday evening.
More than 100 people, K-9 units, and a State Police helicopter all participated in the search.
Trooper First Class Timothy Stearns, flying in the State Police helicopter, spotted Charity's blue jeans through the woods.
Charity was lying down, but was able to signal that he was alive.
The chopper signaled ground crews to the area and they were able to get to Charity.
He was suffering from hypothermia when searchers found him. He was taken to the hospital.
He is expected to be okay.
"We're ecstatic at the happy ending to this search," said Col. Martin Garabedian of Fish and Game Law Enforcement. "Obviously the cold temperatures and flooded conditions in the area were serious concerns as this search continued through the night. We're extremely grateful for the efforts of all the assisting agencies, especially the NH. State Police helicopter that ultimately succeeded in finding Mr. Charity."
WBZ-TV's Lauren Leamanczyk reports
Charity, an experienced hiker and hunter apparently hiked in the area a couple times a week.
Police say he was found about three-quarters of a mile from his car, but was far off the trail.
