New Jersey Teenagers Face Hefty Bill After Mountain Rescue in New Hampshire
Four 18-year-old teenagers from New Jersey are facing a significant bill for their rescue from Mount Lafayette in New Hampshire after embarking on a strenuous nine-mile hike unprepared. The group started their hike at 3:30 p.m. on a Friday, leaving them with less than four and a half hours before sunset. While three of the teenagers had trained for the hike, the fourth was unprepared, experiencing cramps and needing frequent breaks as the altitude reached 5,000 feet. As darkness fell and temperatures dropped below freezing with wind chill, the friends called 911 for help. New Hampshire Fish and Game reported that the hikers lacked essential supplies such as headlamps, sufficient food, and water, and were improperly dressed for the conditions. A search and rescue team located them at 1:15 a.m. on Saturday, taking nine hours to guide them back to base. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department intends to bill the hikers for the rescue, which is estimated to be upwards of $1,000. 
