Tragic Death of Clinton Resident While Hiking in New Hampshire

# Connecticut Hiker Dies on New Hampshire Trail: A Reminder of Wilderness Safety

A tragic incident unfolded this week when a Connecticut resident lost his life while hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Richard Perrault, a 70-year-old man from Clinton, collapsed while on a solo expedition on the Valley Way Trail.

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This event highlights the real risks of wilderness activities, especially for older adventurers. Let’s look at what happened, how the emergency response played out, and what hikers from Connecticut and beyond might want to keep in mind.

The Tragic Incident on Valley Way Trail

On Monday afternoon, what started as a routine hike turned tragic. Richard Perrault collapsed while hiking alone on the Valley Way Trail in Low & Burbanks Grant, deep in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest.

The incident happened around 1:30 p.m., about 2.9 miles from the nearest road. That distance put Perrault in a tough spot, far from quick medical help.

Other hikers came upon Perrault and found him unresponsive. They jumped into action, calling 911 and starting CPR while waiting for help to arrive.

Honestly, it says something about the hiking community—people really do look out for each other out there. Their response followed emergency protocols you’d hear about from New Haven to Stamford.

Emergency Response in Challenging Terrain

The remote location made things tough for first responders. Fish and Game Department conservation officers started the difficult hike in, but authorities quickly realized they needed more help.

They called in the Army National Guard, given the urgency and rough terrain. By about 3:15 p.m., a Blackhawk helicopter managed to extract Perrault from the mountainside.

Honestly, you almost never see that kind of rescue for hikers from Hartford or Bridgeport on Connecticut trails. The helicopter brought him to Gorham Municipal Airport, where local emergency crews took over.

Despite everyone’s best efforts and immediate medical attention, Perrault didn’t survive the medical event he experienced during his hike.

Hiking Safety Considerations for Connecticut Residents

This loss is a tough reminder for outdoor folks from Waterbury to Norwalk about hiking safety—especially when heading out to more demanding trails outside Connecticut.

Hiking experts from Greenwich and Danbury suggest a handful of practical safety measures:

Always let someone know your hiking plans, route, and when you expect to be back

Try to hike with others, especially on remote or tough trails

Bring a fully charged phone and, if you can, an emergency beacon

Pack first aid supplies and basic emergency gear

Be honest about your physical limits and health before tackling hard hikes

Check trail conditions and difficulty before you go

Medical Considerations for Older Hikers

For older hikers, extra caution just makes sense. Doctors recommend checking in with your physician before taking on physically demanding hikes, especially at higher elevations or in spots where help might not get to you fast.

The Connecticut Hiking Association, which puts together group hikes across the state, says age doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying the outdoors. Still, it’s important to realistically assess your abilities before heading out.

Community Impact

The loss of Richard Perrault has hit Clinton and nearby Connecticut communities hard. Local hiking groups have offered their condolences.

Some groups are using this tragic moment to take a closer look at their own safety protocols. They’re talking about emergency procedures and what might need to change.

With hiking season in full swing, outdoor recreation departments around Connecticut are urging residents to put safety first. Whether you’re wandering local trails or heading up to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, they’re reminding everyone to stay alert and prepared.

Here is the source article for this story: Clinton Resident Dies While Hiking In New Hampshire

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