Photo: Gorica Poturak / E+ / Getty Images
A 79-year-old man from Florida, William Davis, died after making a frightened 911 call from Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Davis had taken the Cog Railway to the 6,288-foot peak on Wednesday (July 16) and was not planning to hike, according to officials. However, he wandered off near the visitor center without any hiking gear or preparation. His wife reported him missing when he failed to return.
Davis made a 911 call, appearing disoriented and lost before the call was disconnected, likely due to a dead phone battery. New Hampshire Fish and Game officials, along with over 50 officers, conducted a three-day search for Davis. The search faced challenges, including dangerous weather conditions that temporarily halted efforts. By Friday morning, a Blackhawk helicopter and additional volunteers joined the operation.
Davis' body was discovered on the steep southeastern slope near the summit just after 11 a.m. on Friday (July 18). Officials believe he may have fallen from a steep area. The state medical examiner will determine the official cause of death. Patrick Hummel, manager of Mount Washington State Park, expressed the team's sadness over the tragic outcome, noting that many questions remain unanswered.