A Massachusetts man fell into a deep crevasse in the Tuckerman Ravine Sunday afternoon and is thought to have died, according to a news release late Monday from the White Mountain National Forest.
The man was identified as Norman Priebatsch of Boston. He was said to be in his late 60’s.
He was hiking with friends when he tripped and slid down a slope before falling into a crevasse between areas known as the Lunch Rocks and The Lip.
“A Forest Service Snow Ranger was lowered with lights and rescue equipment approximately 50 feet into the crevasse. Visibility was restricted to about 80 feet. The crevasse, filled with hanging ice, running water and undermined snow, narrowed below that point. It was determined that lowering further into the crevasse was not possible due to significant safety concerns for rescuers,” according to the news release.
Rescue efforts were suspended about 11 p.m. Sunday. The effort is expected to resume when it is safe for rescuers.
