Richard Chateauneuf Dies After Being Found Unconscious on NH Trail
Richard Chateauneuf, a 64-year-old resident of Tyngsboro, Massachusetts, died on Saturday morning after being found unconscious on the Old Bridle Path trail on West Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness, New Hampshire, cbsnews.com reported.
Passing Hikers Discover Hiker in Distress
Passing hikers found Chateauneuf in medical distress on the mountain trail at approximately 11:20 a.m., according to cbsnews.com. The witnesses immediately called 911 and began administering CPR before emergency crews arrived. First responders reached the scene less than a mile from the trailhead, joining the resuscitation efforts. Despite medical personnel taking over, attempts to revive Chateauneuf failed.
Feedzop.com noted that emergency services transported the deceased hiker off the mountain following the unsuccessful resuscitation efforts. New Hampshire Fish and Game confirmed that the specific cause of death remains undetermined.
Emergency Agencies Respond to Mountain Trail
The incident drew a multi-agency emergency response to the popular 1.8-mile hiking route. Emergency teams from Holderness, Center Harbor, and Sandwich responded to the call for assistance. Plymouth Ambulance personnel and New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers also deployed to the area to support the rescue and transport operation.
The Old Bridle Path on West Rattlesnake Mountain features a 396-foot elevation gain and typically takes about one and a half hours to complete. West Rattlesnake Mountain sits in Holderness within the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, roughly 80 miles north of Chateauneuf’s hometown of Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. The peak neighbors East Rattlesnake Mountain in Sandwich, with the two summits collectively known as the Rattlesnakes.
Investigation Into the Cause of Death
New Hampshire Fish and Game stated that no additional information regarding the hiker’s death is currently available. Investigators have not released any details pointing to an underlying medical issue or environmental factor. The official determination of what caused Chateauneuf to collapse on the trail awaits further review by authorities.