Snowmobiler Gets Lost After Going Off NH State Park Trail

A Raymond man riding his snowmobile in Pawtuckaway State Park Wednesday night became stuck in a brook when his machine became inoperable.

NH Fish and Game said Thomas Simpson, 71, was riding on a single track trail inside the park in Nottingham when his machine became wedged between two trees around 5:45 p.m. He could not get it out, so he began walking and got lost when he went off the trail.

It took Simpson nearly four hours to get a cell phone signal to call for help, according to Fish & Game. Members of the Nottingham Fire Department located Simpson at 11:45 p.m. and brought him out.

The Deerfield Fire Department, members of the Candia Snow Slickers Snowmobile Club, and Nottingham Police Department also assisted in the search.

Fish & Game said that those spending time outdoors should let someone know where they are headed in case of an emergency.

If you become stranded and do not know where you are, Fish & Game advises you to stay with your snowmobile and keep moving or start a fire to keep warm in cold temperatures.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH