Christopher Roma.Photo:Gofundme
Gofundme
The body of an experienced hiker who was reported missing while in New Hampshire’s White Mountains was found Wednesday, authorities said.
New Hampshire Fish and Gameidentified the victim as Christopher Roma, 37, of Thornton, New Hampshire, in a news release.
Rescue efforts began with the first responders arriving early Wednesday morning, New Hampshire Fish and Game said in the release.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“The rescue effort was slowed as the responders had to trudge through waist-deep snow, and once the rescuers were exposed above tree line they faced heavy winds and blowing snow. Realizing progress would be slow, a call was made to New Hampshire Army National Guard to attempt a helicopter extraction of the hiker,” per the statement.
New Hampshire Fish and Game added that the New Hampshire Army National Guard’s three separate flights were not able to get near Mount Guyot because of the low clouds and poor visibility.
A Mountain Rescue Service team was able to reach Roma late Wednesday afternoon, but he was dead, said authorities.
A helicopter eventually recovered Roma’s body on Thursday, thus preventing a difficult carry out for 15 conservation officers and more than 30 volunteers who responded and were on the trail, said New Hampshire Fish and Game.
The department said that the weather forecast for the area at the time was snow and single-digit temperatures.
Christopher Roma.Gofundme
“He always cared about people and wanted what’s best for them,” Roma’s sister, Megan, told the AP, “to change their lives basically every time they would have a hike. They would have good conversations.”
According to aGoFundMecreated for his family, Roma leaves behind a 2-year-old son. As of late Friday afternoon, it has raised over $41,000.
source: people.com
