ASSOCIATED PRESS • January 19, 2024
An experienced hiker who had accomplished the “Triple Crown” of challenging cross-country trails died this week in New Hampshire’s White Mountains during a solo hike in brutal conditions, including single-digit temperatures, harsh winds and waist-deep snow. Christopher Roma, 37, was an expert hiker who ran his own long-distance trail guide business and had walked the familiar trail many times before. Roma eventually reached the emergency line, saying he was very cold. A large team of Fish and Game conservation officers and search and rescue squads assembled and set out at 2 a.m. Wednesday, but the group was slowed by blowing snow. By the time ground crews reached Roma at 5 p.m. he was dead.