Dutchess man rescued after ignoring warning from Forest Ranger

HVNY News + Notes

Jan 26

Written By HVNY

On January 16, 2026, despite the sub-freezing temperatures and the quick-setting winter sun, around 1:30pm, while on a routine patrol, New York State Forest Ranger Nathan Jefferey encountered a 33-year-old from Hopewell Junction who was just beginning a hike of Table Mountain, one of the Catskill’s high peaks in Ulster County. According to reports, the forest ranger “expressed concern over the late start, but the hiker was confident in their ability, had the proper gear, and proceeded.”

At 2:27am, the hiker from Hopewell Junction sent out an SOS signal after going off trail near Fisherman’s Path and falling into the Neversink River.

Due to icy roads, rangers could not get to the hiker until 6:30am. The hiker was “visibly suffering from rapidly progressing hypothermia after falling into the river and becoming fully submerged.”

Rangers quickly changed the hiker into dry clothes, used a heated blanket and gave him hot liquids.

The hiker was assisted to the trailhead and was advised to seek further medical attention if any swelling, blisters or discoloration occured.

Winter Hiking Tips

Exploring trails covered in a winter wonderland may sound inviting, but it will most definitely be cold, especially this week and after dark, as the risk for hypothermia become increasingly perilous.

If you’re heading out to enjoy the snow-covered scenes across the Hudson Valley, the DEC has some Winter Hiking tips:

Be prepared – check maps, guidebooks and know any regulations in place
Go with a friend or group, and know the limits of everyone on the hike. If you are going solo, be sure to tell someone where you’re going, when you plan to return, and check in at any trailheads.
Check the weather! And make sure you know what time the sun sets so you can plan to head back before dark.
Wear moisture-wicking layers, thick socks, a winter hat, gloves or mittens, waterproof and insulated boots (skis or snowshoes if above 8-inches of snow), sunscreen and a watch.
Bring water and high energy snacks, a first aid kit, compass, trail map, extra clothing, plastic whistle (metal will freeze), micro-spikes for traction, flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries, and a fire starter kit.
Conserve cell phone batteries by using ‘Airplane mode;” Don’t use your phone as a flashlight as it will drain your battery very quickly
Stay on the trails!

See more: https://dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hiking/winter-safety