New Hampshire Fish and Game to Bill New Jersey Hikers for Franconia Ridge Rescue
New Hampshire Fish and Game announced its intention to charge four hikers from New Jersey for the cost of their rescue from Franconia Ridge. The hikers, identified as Jainam Bhavsar, Purva Jayani, Tirth Shah, and Advik Yadav, all 18 years old, began a 7-9 hour hike on Friday afternoon without adequate preparation. According to New Hampshire Fish and Game, they lacked sufficient food and water, did not possess headlamps, and were improperly dressed for the prevailing conditions. The department was alerted shortly before 9 p.m. on Friday that the group was stranded on the ridge, with one individual experiencing sore legs and difficulty breathing. Volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team responded, ascending over four miles to Franconia Ridge and then to Mount Lincoln, where they located the hikers at 1:15 a.m. on Saturday. The rescue team provided the hikers with necessary supplies, including lights, food, water, and warm clothing, before guiding them down the Old Bridle Path to the trailhead, ... 
