Eagle Scout injured hiking is charged $25,000 for rescue

News Type: Event — Seeded on Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:25 AM EDT

Article Source: The Boston Herald

odd-news, odd, rescue, bizarre, injured, stupid, hiking, hiker, eagle-scout

A plucky Eagle Scout who probably should get his own episode on the Discovery Channel's "Survivorman" instead has been hit with a $25,234 rescue bill - after he lasted three days in wintry conditions with an injured ankle on Mount Washington.

Halifax Scout Scott Mason, 17, built a rock shelter, waded across icy rivers and started a fire with hand-sanitizer gel. Some might think he deserves a merit badge for coming through his ordeal alive in April.

Instead, he's being stuck with what is reportedly the highest New Hampshire rescue bill to date - 25 large - for a two-day search by dozens of rescue workers and a helicopter. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has given him 30 days to cough up the cash.

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Greg Stocks CRNA EJD's Column, All of Newsvine
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Regions: Boston

Public Discussion (7)

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{"commentId":8278185,"authorDomain":"dolphins169"}

HurricaneDolfan69

This is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. I have 2 Scouts of my own and the thought that we could be charged money for a rescue is scary. And since I am the Outdoor Chairman for our roop...well, this is scary. Big Governmwnt at work again.....

{"commentId":8278185,"threadId":"629483","contentId":"3036741","authorDomain":"dolphins169"}

#1 - Sat Jul 18, 2009 8:50 AM EDT

{"commentId":8278959,"authorDomain":"toms-1"}

Tom RobertsDeleted

{"commentId":8280568,"authorDomain":"blondie-1220330"}

blondie-1220330

Most parks will charge you if you need to be rescued. No big deal, he should be happy to be alive. I don't think I should have to pay for this 17 year old who decided to go hiking is snowy weather alone. I can't believe his parents let him do it. They are both responsible for him getting hurt and the thousands of dollars that were spent trying to rescue him. Shouldn't be a problem or a news story in my mind. He's 17, get a job and start paying those rescue workers back!

{"commentId":8280568,"threadId":"629483","contentId":"3036741","authorDomain":"blondie-1220330"}

#3 - Sat Jul 18, 2009 1:00 PM EDT

{"commentId":8281516,"authorDomain":"leathernlacekitten"}

Freedom Writer-801740

I dont know a great deal about hiking, but just given the information that was given, if he stayed on the proper trails, and didnt wander deliberately to paths that were not meant to be taken then I dont believe that he should be saddled with the bill. But if he did just decide to wander off on his own to create his own path then I would say its his fault and he should have to pay for the rescue.

{"commentId":8281516,"threadId":"629483","contentId":"3036741","authorDomain":"leathernlacekitten"}

1 vote

#4 - Sat Jul 18, 2009 2:09 PM EDT

{"commentId":8307270,"authorDomain":"ruthlessmoose"}

ruthlessmoose

State has to get money somehow right?

{"commentId":8307270,"threadId":"629483","contentId":"3036741","authorDomain":"ruthlessmoose"}

1 vote

#5 - Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:31 PM EDT

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GREG STOCKS CRNA EJD

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Eagle Scout injured hiking is charged $25,000 for rescue

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