Mass. Man Dies While Hiking in NH

The Fish and Game department says 26-year-old John Holden of Jefferson, Massachusetts, had intended to hike part of Mount Bond in Lincoln on Saturday

Authorities have recovered the body of a Massachusetts man who died while hiking in New Hampshire.

The Fish and Game department says 26-year-old John Holden of Jefferson, Massachusetts, had intended to hike part of Mount Bond in Lincoln on Saturday and was due home Saturday night. Authorities were alerted Sunday morning, and a search team found his body around 8 p.m. Sunday near the top of Bond Cliff, a remote peak 8.8 miles from the Kancamagus Highway.

The body was brought down the mountain Monday morning. Authorities say Holden was an experienced hiker and had adequate gear.

Neighbors said Holden was quiet but energetic.

"(he) was one of those still waters that runs very deep, competitive, could not stand to loose," neighbor Francis Warner said. "So I could see how he would challenge himself on the summit of a mountain."

The Warners said they just seen Holden at a Christmas party that his family had on Friday evening. Holden's family told them that their son did not say he was going hiking but they weren't surprised seeing he was an avid hiker.

"Everybody's got their outlet and for Jack, that was it," said neighbor Betty Ann Warner. "He was really one with nature. He really loved hiking and was in great shape."

An autopsy is planned.

The New Hampshire Army National Guard helped Fish and Game officers with the search and recovery.

"It's just a shock. It's crazy to think about. You see him one day and the next he's not there anymore," said neighbor Christina Warner.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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