Court Denies Hiker's Appeal of Rescue Bill

Edward Bacon was on a five-day solo hike when he dislocated his hip and had to be carried for almost four miles

The New Hampshire Supreme Court says a Michigan man must pay for the cost of his rescue from the White Mountain National Forest.

Edward Bacon of Northville, Michigan, was on a five-day solo hike in September 2012 when he dislocated his hip and had to be carried for almost four miles over rough terrain in heavy rain.

The state Fish and Game department charged him $9,300 after a judge found him negligent, but Bacon appealed that ruling to the high court, which rejected his argument Thursday.

Bacon argued he was prepared for the conditions, physically capable and had adequately planned his hike. But the state said his training was insufficient and that he was negligent in trying to jump over a ledge after having dislocated his hip five other times.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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