Thompson & Meserves Purchase — A severely hypothermic hiker died Sunday despite a high risk rescue off the Gulfside Trail under conditions described as treacherous. Xi Chen, 53, of Andover, Mass., was attempting a traverse of the Presidential Range Saturday when he was overcome by weather conditions near Mount Clay.
N.H. Fish and Game said conditions in the high peaks were treacherous this weekend with freezing temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, and winds gusting over 80 miles per hour. Chen sent his wife a text message around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, telling her he was cold and wet and felt he would die without a rescue. His wife notified Fish and Game.
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