Overview
- The 18-year-olds from Winchendon, Massachusetts, fell into a brook on the Ferry Spring Trail on Dec. 19 and were found wet and freezing.
- A passing hiker called 911 around 10 p.m., and conservation officers with volunteers from the Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team reached them about 11 p.m.
- Brendan Girouard was heavily intoxicated, suffered cold-weather injuries, was transported to Heywood Hospital, and was charged with alcohol possession.
- Shawn Paelian was assisted down the mountain, while rescuers removed Girouard’s frozen clothing and warmed him before an ambulance pickup at about 2 a.m.
- Officials said the pair started after dark without food, water, warm clothes, or cold-weather gear and urged adherence to hikeSafe guidance with a recommendation to bill them for the rescue.