The TRAGIC Story of Emily Sotelo in The Deadly White Mountains

Mountains in North America are famous for their unpredictable snow storms and hazardous weather conditions. Mount Lafayette, the tallest peak in the Franconia Ridge, is one such mountain notorious for its rugged terrain. Although the mountain attracts a large number of tourists who hike the snowy trails in good weather, climbers avoid the mountain in bad weather because of the risks present. Some climbers, however, are fearless....
One of them was Emily Monica Sotelo, who saw firsthand how unforgiving the White Mountains can be. This is the sad story of a young hiker who disappeared in the White Mountains.
Emily Sotelo was a 19-year-old hiker from Westford, Massachusetts, who had a dream of summiting all 48 peaks over 4,000 feet - 1.219,2 meter in New Hampshire before her 20th birthday. She was a sophomore at Vanderbilt University. Emily had a passion for volunteer work in healthcare and education. On November 19, 2022, she and her mother visited New Hampshire during the Thanksgiving vacation.
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[@goldenagenut]

Seems odd that having climbed 40 mountains already, you'd think she would know to go much more prepared than she did considering the harsh conditions.

[@consciousobserver629]

She was overconfident because of the other hikes without incident. And younger people tend to feel immortal. Unfortunate.

[@Sam-kk7vk]

Whites in the winter and summer are totally different beasts. I think she was expecting summer conditions, but it was in the shoulder seasons during a pretty severe cold snap.

[@chilibeer3912]

Well at least she had those granola bars

[@goldenagenut]

@@consciousobserver629 I agree but wasnt it already very cold and it was forecast to be in beow zero temperatures, she didn't even have a hat to keep her head warm! I'm from Florida, never hiked in the mountains and even I know that much, its cold, cover that head.

[@regandey5847]

Thinking the same thing.

[@MaxPower-js1sk]

We have the opposite problem in my part of Australia. Tourists go hiking in the heat and desolation without adequate footwear, clothing, hats, sunblock, food and water. I stopped two European tourists from trying to climb over the top of King’s Canyon in the hottest part of the day. They were wearing thongs/flip-flops, tank tops and shorts. They had no water or sunblock and it’s a strenuous hike for those not used to it. It was 45 Celsius and they had no idea that the heat alone could kill them. Amazing.

[@TragicTales611]

Wow! That is really amazing! Thanks for your comment/story!

[@randomcomment6068]

You mean northern Europeans. South ones know better!

[@WienGolf]

Same situation in the Alps! Here we have a good telecommunication even on most of the mountains. People walk up glaciers and via ferrata with converse shoes, no jackets and with their toddlers, although they are being warned. When they get tired, in bad weather of fall down, they call for mountain rescuers, who sometimes dare their own lives to bring people down the mountain. Here they refuse to pay the fee for the rescue and often they sue villages for not to take care for the mountain paths. Tourists sometimes are real nuisances!

[@politicallyincorrectandpro5856]

@@WienGolf Indeed,this is the typical behavior from the green European ecologists coming from their cities….

[@YouTube4me]

You saved their lives

[@capriciousstudent]

As a New Englander, I find it almost unbelievable that she and her family wouldn’t understand that trekking mountains in -30 degree weather was dangerous. MA and NH experience blizzards and extremely cold weather, every year. It’s not just in the mountains, either. It only takes one year to hear and be advised, numerous times, on TV, radio, and through phone alerts, that no one should be out in those temperatures.

[@djg5950]

She had hiked 40 of the 4,000 footers. She knew. She was over-confident in her abilities and wasn't prepared to spend the night in the mountains if she had to (due to deteriorating conditions or an injury). That is the #1 rule for anyone hiking the Whites. Be prepared.

[@goutvols103]

This was my thought as well. I am curious what weather conditions that she hiked the other mountains before this one. It just does not make any sense at all how unprepared she was with the amount of previous climbing experience that she had.

[@djg5950]

@@goutvols103 I live in NH and followed this and all rescues and deaths in the White Mts. I remember that weekend. It was bitterly cold with a chance of snow at higher elevations. I don't exactly remember all that was written but think that there was a storm warning for later that day. What I do remember was that they said that she was a "trail runner" and therefore not dressed appropriately for the later conditions. Having experience my belief is that she thought that she could hike up and back down before conditions got bad. Nothing was said about her previous hikes but probably all were done during the late spring and during summer and fall. She missed a turn on the trail that would have brought her down to the parking lot where her mother was suppose to meet her. My brother is a hiker and has done all of the 4,000 footers. He and others familiar with Lafayette Ridge said that it is common for people to miss that turn. Also, that trail down is steep and treacherous even in good weather. She got lost, weather turned bad with temps in the minuses and added wind chill, and she wasn't prepared to spend the night. All this resulted in her death.

[@maryanne7161]

@@djg5950 I guess that turn should be well marked,now?

[@djg5950]

@@maryanne7161 Doubt it. Rule #1 when attempting to hike in the White Mts.: carry a map, compass, headlamp, warm clothing, food and water. It's up to you to know how to get yourself back down the mountain or be prepared to spend the night in case of an accident or bad weather.

[@robinguertin574]

No matter what you do, prepare yourself for the worst situation. AND don't go alone.

[@lizb4156]

Don't go.

[@Rsmvbizz]

@@lizb4156 dont even think about it honestly

[@markrobertdevison1227]

I always tell people, never go alone and hopefully go with someone experienced in hiking and knowledgeable about the area.

[@mikatu]

It is better to go alone. Less distractions and more careful in everything you do!

[@HondaBetter]

I’m gonna keep going alone. Thanks

[@deb10011]

I used to work as a ranger in Franconia Notch State Park. These mountains are challenging enough when the trail is clear and dry. Doing it in -35 degree weather with snow pack and no essentials is just dumb. She risked her own life and the lives of any search and rescue personnel as well.

[@stuarthall3874]

The other lives that were put at risk because of her recklessness is a very important point for any of us venturing out.

[@h6156]

Not very smart of her... but she definitely paid the price for it

[@GaryHall1071]

Play stupid games, win stupid prizes…

[@bri_guy508]

Kids these days... They might have the book smarts but when it comes to common sense its lacking to say the least. For example every summer you hear about kids drowning because they didn't know how to swim. If you can't swim stay your butt outta the water!!!

[@rawrice3096]

Thank you for speaking your mind and truth 😊 Personally speaking, I think she was selfish to do what she did. I reckon she was aware of what she needed to carry but chose not to all because of social media.

[@carolyn85930]

Solo-hiking, three mountains, unprepared and sub zero temperatures sounds like flirting with death!

[@phunkboxx]

Yes i dont understand why her friends did not convince her that was a bad idea

[@traybern]

Nope. That’s MARRYING it!!!

[@YouTube4me]

Mother dropped her off 😢 unbelievable

[@KaliKali-hv9bt]

Yeah, she flirted with death alright, because death came and claimed her. RIP

[@KaliKali-hv9bt]

@@traybern LMAOOOOOO..I don't mean to laugh...but YEAH!!

[@KennethPetrucci]

As an old hiker that has summitted all of these peaks in all seasons and weather conditions, it still pains me that this young women lost her life because of her inexperience and lack of proper clothing and equipment. Most of us get away with bad decisions and learn from them and gain experience from this. From what we heard in this video, she was loved and admired by her family and friends. I'm so sorry for your lose. I hope others may learn from this and head out and enjoy the mountains while being prepared. You can hike in severe weather carrying around 10-12 lbs. of gear that can save you if things get bad. NEVER hike without rain gear, hat and gloves. a paper map, compass (learn how to use it), head lamp and extra batteries (keep them inside your clothing, near body heat). Check/pay attention to the weather forecast and changing conditions. Proper clothing would have given her a reasonable chance to survive the night and walk out.

[@philsmith2444]

When I hike the Whites in SUMMER I have merino baselayers, down jacket, hat and gloves, and stove/food in addition to the usual stuff. In the winter throw in a 0F bag, Xtherm, 2P4S tent, and down jacket/pants. Total weight is right around 25lb, which is light if it saves your life or someone else’s. If I die on a mountain it’s not going to be from hypothermia!

[@nlwilson4892]

Cheap plastic bright orange survival bag can make a huge difference too. My local peaks don't go over 1000m yet I don't go out for a day hike without a survival bag, compass, map, torch and waterproofs.

[@philsmith2444]

@@nlwilson4892 Yep, I carry one of those as well. I’ve used it as a vapor barrier liner for my sleeping bag when temps dropped 20F lower than forecast but it’s mainly to put an injured or hypothermic person in (along with a few handwarmers) while I get the tent & sleeping bag set up for them.

[@UglyBikeling]

Her mom should have never dropped her off!

[@MLC48]

And she was hiking alone......

[@irenan6585]

“Ignorance is the mother of all the evil and all the misery we see. "

[@BeRightBack131]

Wait... this girl went hiking in sub-zero temperatures without adequate winter gear? And her mother didn't think to tell her sub-zero weather is NOT the kind of weather to hike in, regardless of what you're wearing, but good grief, she didn't even have a coat, hat, food, water, etc? Wow. Just wow.

[@RedShipsofSpainAgain]

Agreed. I immediately thought this video was a fictional story because of how naive and unprepared Emily was. And she saw the forecast showing -32F and somehow it never occurred to her to pack a winter grade down jacket and goretex shell and gloves, boots, etc? Insane. I am sorry to say this, Mr and Mrs. Sotelo, but your daughter was very foolish to even start this hike as ill prepared as she was dressed. Furthermore, the mother dropped off Emily with -35F temps forecast within a few hours... I'm sorry, but these decisions indicate that both Emily and her mom were not terribly intelligent. I feel so, so bad for what happened, but I think most people would agree these were some pretty dumb decisions by these two women. Sadly, dumb decisions plus very frigid weather often equals death.

[@djolivierastro]

4:40 she calls herself a medical professional , baffling to me it did not prevent her letting her daughter out in such hazardous conditions

[@claudiabeckercb3]

It's unbelievable that Emily had reportedly been on so many mountains,which makes you think she was experienced, but this time she wasn't prepared for the harsh weather conditions at all 😢

[@wasidanatsali6374]

Never underestimate mountain weather even in the summer. My wife and I accidentally rescued 4 hikers in the GSMNP one night as we were walking out from a backwoods trout fishing trip. The hikers saw our headlamps and flashlights and came scrambling off a ridge towards us. It’s a long story but this happened in the middle of July and those hikers were so cold their lips were blue, they were shivering uncontrollably, and their mental function was obviously compromised. So much so I had to get a little pushy with them to keep them moving down the mountain.

[@djg5950]

@@wasidanatsali6374 Don't apologize for getting "pushy". You may have saved their lives, whether they know it or not. People die from hypothermia even in summer.

[@mannyme5630]

I like how the mother says she's a medical professional after she dropped her daughter off at a trail that she knew damn well will be -32 degrees. And Emily's father just sad enough that he's a gastroenterologist, had the hopes her daughter will miraculous be alive like someone that downed a whole tacobell menu

[@jaydawg2357]

I was thinking the same thing. It was almost like the mother was dropping her daughter off to die. I think most mothers would have been "Hell no you are not going up that mountain TODAY!"

[@MaxMax-di8kx]

Psychiatrists are not usual medical professionals

[@nlwilson4892]

Yep. I found it pretty astounding that the parents were very well educated and yet still couldn't see the danger of what she was doing.

[@2147B]

@@nlwilson4892 ​ Book smart and common sense are very different as you see here

[@Julia-b9x]

Manny Me - What makes you think the mother knew damn well it would be -32 degrees? The mother DID NOT know that. The mother just knew that it was cold - many runners going running in cold weather. Most people in NH don’t know how brutal it gets up there. Be careful about about being so judgmental - unless you are perfect in all of your judgments - which I doubt is the case.

[@theresa42213]

l'm just stunned that she was wearing so little, and had no compass or head lamp, or anything in that dreadful weather! Poor girl, and family. Heartbreaking. :(

[@steveshea7725]

This is a poor piece. In fact she was dressed for trail running. A huge mistake.

[@pakde8002]

Poor kid. Had access to all the information in the world that could have helped prepare herself for the hike. Just really tragic but unfortunately social media tends to give the impression that all you need is a phone and you can conquer the world.

[@susannenerad9851]

Absolutely, totally agree, one has to realize nature is not to be taken for granted, always take a locater beacon, or just wait till spring

[@bri_guy508]

I live in Massachusetts and this story was all over the news. Unfortunately these kids are book smart but when it comes to common sense they are lacking

[@consciousobserver629]

​@@bri_guy508 In large part due to the average person having very little experience with anything related to nature. People are accustomed to the concrete jungle.

[@philsmith2444]

@@bri_guy508 It sounds like her parents weren’t blessed with an abundance of common sense either. Obviously they couldn’t forbid their adult daughter from doing anything but they didn’t say anything like “you know, it’s going to be really, really cold and windy, you need to bring some warmer clothes, shelter, and food, and have a plan to turn back by a certain time or if conditions are too harsh.”

[@willcabaniss6891]

@@philsmith2444 Parent's didn't have clue. They probably have never climbed a mountain, but she had already climbed 40 peaks. I am sure the parents thought she new what she was doing. Sad Story.

[@veebee3239]

You lost me at her mother dropped her off alone at 4.30am in sub zero temperatures. If the weather hadn’t taken her some crazy guy could have murdered her! Where is the common sense here? She was still a teenager.

[@dolorestroeller4734]

It was cold, but everything looked good😮😮

[@veebee3239]

@@dolorestroeller4734 Sometimes I think wealthy, highly educated people have zero sense!

[@loosilu]

No crazy guy is crazy enough to be out in that weather.

[@YouTube4me]

Yes alone is not a way to go. Buddy hike for many safety reasons

[@philmccracken2534]

@@loosilu There are actually multiple serial killers active in NH right now. Never underestimate sociopathy.

[@SavingSoulsMinistries]

every aspiring hiker should be forced to watch 10+ hours of missing persons videos before embarking on the simplest of journeys

[@readdeeply9278]

This makes so little sense. So she wasn't a novice hiker, yet made the decision to go utterly unprepared, knowing she was attempting three separate hills? And mom knew she was unprepared and was aware of her lack of warm clothing, yet cheerfully drops her off as she is? Can people really be this careless or was there something else going on here?

[@philsmith2444]

She was a novice winter hiker. Franconia Ridge, if you didn’t know, is the 2nd highest terrain in NH, being above treeline for about 2 miles from just below the summit of Little Haystack Mountain in the south to maybe 1/2 mile below the summit of Mt Lafayette at the northern end of the ridge. There’s no shelter from the wind and weather anywhere on the ridge, all that’s up there is bare rock and vegetation called krummholz that’s about a foot high. Mt Washington is said to have “the worst weather in the world”, and the wind that causes that weather blows over Franconia Ridge before going another 25 miles or so to the east to hit Mt Washington and the Presidentials. Mom knew even less than Emily did about what she was getting into.

[@thomasgilson6206]

Hmm. I think you might be on to something here.

[@cherylb2008]

Definitely suspect Just odd

[@CS-uc2oh]

There is definitely something else going on. This sounds like a suicidal young woman and a mother who she probably was at odds with...

[@Namdor2012]

For someone obsessed with climbing and hiking, and supposedly "Brilliant" this trip and preparation even for a pure novice would be labeled as "reckless"...I'm going with suicide, it's too bizarre and reckless for a reasonably educated young woman, with experience..And why not go with a friend, or a small group? She made her last 48 th climb alone and died, coincidence?

[@keithbell9348]

An experienced mountain climber, also a member of search and hiker who had logged thousands of hours out in the wilderness, was mystified when reflecting on Emily's story. His recommendation: 1) check the weather. ALWAYS check the weather and never cut corners in the face of extreme conditions In fact- he added: "When its you vs nature, nature will most likely always win." Also: "When the environment is questionable, don't rely soley on your experience or skills, and do not feel defeated if you deem it best to try again on a better day. Heck that mountain isn't going anywhere."

[@Vkk785]

Amazing explanation 👏👏

[@adamnichols3506]

As an experienced winter climber in the Adirondacks and Whites the weather can change in a dime. Being prepared will save your life. My group was in NH days of her passing. It really bothered us. Such a sweet young lady.

[@KingoftheJuice18]

Very nice comment, thanks for posting. (Btw, the expression is "change ON a dime.")

[@LouLikestowatch]

who the heck thought it was a good idea to hike into mountains without any gear? sometimes I really don't know what goes through people's minds when they do this sort of thing

[@studiosinger]

Sounds like a suicide.

[@MontyGumby]

confidence of youth

[@MMMmyshawarma]

Too much bulk! Can't use the phone for pics with all that shit on!

[@MrFg1980]

If there's snow AT the trailhead, how could you not know it's going to be full on winter conditions on the summits 3000' higher ?

[@jonathansage9063]

I agree with you, Thats one of the reasons why i think Woman shouldnt hike alone

[@nlwilson4892]

@@jonathansage9063 No-one should hike alone in those conditions, what the heck makes you think men are invincible?

[@bongscott3738]

Women are too emotional to be expected to make correct decisions.

[@bongscott3738]

​@@nlwilson4892 nobody said men are invincible. We are saying women are weak.

[@nlwilson4892]

@@bongscott3738 Women are just as good at navigating and surviving in the mountains as men. In fact in most cases it is men who get themselves into difficulties because their masculinity leads them to think they are more capable than they are.

[@washguy9577]

As a former mass resident and a current NH resident HOW do you not understand how deadly the white mountains are ? This truly is tragic such a waste even a simple Google search would have let you know how serious this was very sad 😢

[@solypiel1]

This case is so sad. Mother of two daughters here. People are being so harsh in their comments about this young girl’s poor decision. While I wouldn’t let my 19yo do that hike by herself and unprepared.. all of us make mistakes. Some pay dearly.. I’m very sorry for her loved ones and I hope she didn’t suffer much✨🙏🏼✨

[@lorigbasmajian3843]

It's been my observation when a female gets caught in perilous situations in the wilderness, we trash her beyond belief, but if men make poor judgments with regard to weather and doing an ambitious hike by themselves, we reserve judgment and we just give them the respect they deserve. There's a lot of sexism and double standards with regard to men and women in these situations. There was a man that recently died on Mount Guyot, nowhere have I read any of the critiques and insults the way this poor woman got.

[@VictorieLeeMoore123]

The most tragic part, is this could have been preventable. Hopefully this case will inspire people to do better research before taking hikes.

[@MisfitsFiendClub138]

Why would anyone go outside in minus 30°F conditions let alone on a mountain hike? Doesn't make any sense

[@t.doeart9262]

I'm from Niagara Falls. A stationary pit of water that has fences and signs all around it. And still tourists will think it's safe to climb them. There's so many bodies down there.

[@angelat7957]

I've been watching a bunch of videos on people dying on the Everest, and I feel like "determined" is being used a lot to describe these people. It's like it's become a polite way of saying "terminally stupid".

[@rjbarton2010]

My ex fiancé climbed Everest. I actually thought it was a cool accomplishment. he said he carried someone back down and 2 people in his groups died. Later learned that anyone who has climbed mt Everest has psychological issues. There is a direct relationship.

[@willo7734]

This is very sad but who the heck goes out with light clothing and shoes when the temperature has a minus sign? This sounds like my teenage son who insists on wearing shorts 365 days a year, even when it’s below freezing and rainy.

[@willo7734]

@@n.552 true

[@SavingSoulsMinistries]

will thats totally a teenage thing. we used to try to act tough by doing stuff like that. We'd never do it on a deep hike where nobody can see tho... teenagers scare me lol

[@thecatatemyhomework]

You definitely have more sense than her mother.

[@TheQueensWish]

I get that she wanted to complete all 48 climbs by her birthday, but why not just be flexible and wait for nice, good weather and above freezing temps?

[@kittykatxox845]

I’m from NH. In this girls defense, it had been unseasonably warm that week, in the upper 60s and she did not check the weather specifically for the mountain. If she had checked the weather for the area alone at the bottom of the mountain where she was dropped off, she would’ve thought it was gonna be 56 degrees that day and she was dressed, perfectly fine for that.

[@TragicTales611]

Thanks for your comment!

[@philsmith2444]

But having hiked all the other NH4Ks she should have KNOWN that above treeline everything changes, even in summer. It might be 80F, sunny, and calm on an August day in Pinkham Notch but at the summit of Mt Washington it will be maybe 60F with 30-40MPH winds. Then within 15 minutes you’re being rained or snowed on, the temp drops to 35F, and winds are hitting 80-100MPH. (BTDT, but we’d driven up the auto road instead of hiking. Gave 4 stranded hikers and a dog a ride down because they’d closed the auto road to ascents due to the weather, my open Jeep was cold but better than an 8 mile hike!)

[@KaliKali-hv9bt]

@@philsmith2444 Yea true...I almost had more understanding for her because like they mentioned it had been unusually warm. BUT as YOU said, someone like who should know better how different mountaints change in temperature. Even when I visited Vegas, it was like 85 degrees but we went up to Mt. Charleston and there was still patches of snow.

[@DiGiTaLdAzEDM]

That puts a somewhat different perspective on this situation. In the 1978 i embarked on a 10 day hike in the Rockies in Canada-mid October. Temps were almost 70f for the first 5 days. On day 6 as I traversed a mountain pass everything changed. Temps dropped and i was hit by a blizzard. Fortunately I was well prepared with a good tent and sub zero sleeping bag. I managed to hike out safely. In my defense, weather forecasted was good when I left. Point is, weather in the mountains can change dramatically in very short order. ALWAYS go prepared for the worst in such terrain.

[@TheMattTrakker]

That is not at all what this video says. Even the mom commented on it being cold. And finally none of that explains why you wouldn't turn back when you realized, hey, it's fucking cold up here.

[@newhampshirelifestyle4233]

As a New Hampshire resident, I have been hiking the White Mountains since 1979. This type of tragic incident is becoming more commonplace each year as the popularity of hiking the White Mountains continues to grow. The equipment has improve markedly in my 40+ years of hiking, yet youth, passion and stamina are never a match for nature. Ever. I had a few close calls in the Whites and turned back on many hikes. I hope to hike about another 20 years or so until I am in my 80's.

[@neisserguerrero1648]

What was she thinking, hiking unprepared? Oftentimes, we are the architects of our own demise! 😮✝️💀

[@steveshea7725]

She was trail running

[@kerri-lynbryant293]

A psychologist mother drops her off in freezing temperatures in the early hours of the morning without all the necessary gear. Even I know.. that's crazy!

[@stevenmccallan9202]

I've hiked Mt. Lafayette in winter in poor conditions and got temporarily lost in the same place that poor Emily got lost. It is easy to do . One needs to make a sharp left upon coming down from the peak and if you miss it you can be very lost in 10 minutes. May she RIP

[@loosilu]

I know exactly the spot you mean.

[@thecatatemyhomework]

I assume you had the proper equipment.

[@stevendouglas6593]

Ya know, a lot of people only survive their youth through luck rather than good judgment. I know I did. I look back on some of the things I did and think “ what were you thinking!” This poor girl was just unlucky. I know she wasn’t prepared, I know she didn’t appreciate the dangers but maybe, if she had gone the day before, or a week later, she may well have had perfect weather and cruised up and back without a problem. I feel very sad for her parents and friends.

[@change_your_oil_regularly4287]

I completely agree I had no right to survive my youth with all the dumb 💩 I did Looking back I have no idea how I'm still here. So many things should have been my end but the coin fell in my favour every time by pure luck

[@consciousobserver629]

Agreed. A number of comments are so degrading and shaming. If that was their daughter they would be devastated. Or if they had miscalculated one of their own adventures of their youth, they could have died, too.

[@nlwilson4892]

No, you would never attempt a trek of that length and that height without a map and compass. It would always be highly dangerous. Nor should you go up into the snow line without good boots and adequate clothing. This wasn't like the weather suddenly turned bad, it was bad to start with. Your comment is like saying it is fine for people to run red lights and it is only unlucky if they crash.

[@jennifermarie3158]

@@nlwilson4892 No, it's simply saying that people can shut it rather than being so smug and judgy in the comments all the time, that's all.

[@nlwilson4892]

@@jennifermarie3158 We all did daft stuff in our youth, but most of us never did anything remotely so stupid. In this particular case luck doesn't come in to it. People commenting aren't doing it to be smug, people need to be told how utterly stupid this was, there was no way at all she was going to survive that hike. This is just one of many cases where people are going out totally unprepared and a huge amount of resources are needed to go and find them and bring them back. It means resources are used up trying to help these idiots instead of helping those who have got into difficulty through no real fault of their own.

[@buddyduddyful]

The girl walked to her own doom with nary a care in the world. Neither she nor her mom could fathom that any sort of danger might be in the way.

[@thecatatemyhomework]

Why could they not fathom that is the question.

[@Nisie23]

Yeah that was worth it, this goal of hiking all those mountains before 20. People need to have more realistic and useful goals.

[@philsmith2444]

The goal is plenty realistic when you consider you can often bag 3, 4, or even 5 in a single day. If she’d been prepared for the conditions and an experienced winter hiker she possibly could have summited and certainly would have survived. It’s just an absolute shame when someone has the sum knowledge of the human race at their fingertips and ignores it.

[@dastrnad]

I think the “you can do anything if you set your mind to it and don’t give up” mantra can be dangerous. So what if she’d reached her goal before she turned 21 instead of 20? The difference here was she risked her life to complete her goal in a set time frame that allowed no flexibility depending on circumstances. Like subzero temperatures.

[@ellenmorgan9857]

Sometimes the word, “fearless” should be substituted with the word, “reckless”.

[@larrymansfield4916]

First, the White Mountains are no more dangerous than any other mountains. The problem here is that she didn't properly prepare for the conditions she faced. I personally have hiked and camped in the White Mountains for more than 4 decades. And doing so, I've never gone out alone. This is tragic, but completely avoidable. My condolences for her family, but research and preparation are key to survival.

[@beachplumb]

The highest winds ever recorded on the planet not associated with a hurricane or tornado, and some of the coldest temperatures on Earth were measured on Mt. Washington. I'm not sure I'd say they're "no more dangerous than any other mountains".

[@Gizziiusa]

So much for the 4 decades of experience. Just goes to show that some ppl simply lack the wisdom to see how dangerous something can be. Here's an analogy: The weather of the White Mountains can very possibly be the "undercurrents of the Strid" Ignore them at your peril. @@beachplumb

[@hurpaderpp]

This girl was just a moron. She lived down the street from me

[@DanGtube32]

​@@beachplumb That record has been broken. But it was the record for decades.ss

[@4potslite169]

This is a case of knowing just enough to get yourself into serious trouble. Novice hikers are often very cautious because they’re still outside their comfort zone. Experts have yrs of experience and intuition under their belts (but still make mistakes of course). I’ve always believed it’s the hikers that fall into the middle that are at the most risk…they feel like they know what they’re doing so don’t always realize that they are woefully underprepared. They fail to recognize their own limits, when to turn around, or even make the decision not to go at all. That trail, river, mountain, will all be there tomorrow.

[@mercuryvincent6796]

Was surprised to realize this was just your FIRST video! Keep it up! Looking forward to ur growing channel! Will see you in the next video!

[@TragicTales611]

Thanks you very much! I am also really surprised and thankful 🙏🏻 see you definitely in the next! 😊🍀

[@mariochavez9942]

I feel like a lot of this comes from people hearing stories of perseverance in mountain climbing and then thinking that it’s mostly just mental/you just gotta dig deeper when it comes to overcoming danger. Rest in peace to Emily and hopefully others learn from this situation

[@DiGiTaLdAzEDM]

The video says Emily checked the weather before her hike, and saw it was forecasted to be between -27F and -35F. If that is correct, why didn't she postpone her trip? And why would she have gone out so ill prepared for such extreme weather?

[@vichikes]

The forecast on your phone or from a quick Google search gives you the weather for the nearest town or city. That is much different from the summit conditions which requires looking up on a specialized site for mountain summit forecasts. She almost certainly did not see the weather report for Mount Lafayette when she looked up the weather for her hike.

[@ladyseeker2927]

So her parents are medical professionals and they neglecting left their daughter climb a mountain when it was -35? Even I wouldn't let anyone I know go for this hike, and I'm an utter idiot.

[@KaliKali-hv9bt]

I'm an utter idiot too, but her parents win the prize on this one.

[@shootingbricks8554]

@ladyseeker2927 you're not an utter idiot. You're a rational person.

[@markprange4386]

She was getting cold even while she kept moving. Feet freezing. Just pausing to rest made her colder. She was stopped by exhaustion and cold.

[@051963mf]

One thing is for sure, her mother is a big player on such a calamity. To drop off a kid under such awful weathers conditions to climb a mountain by herself???🤔-seriously? And she is a doctor? Unbelievable to say the least.

[@james3440]

Heartbreaking. Love that the family is using the tragedy to keep her spirit alive through the foundation.

[@Mary-momof8]

I still can't understand the unpreparedness for the weather conditions. 😫

[@marlenedouglas7957]

Can't believe intelligent lady didn't do all the basic ground work to prepare herself. What on earth was she thinking?????

[@blucky1250]

I can see these mountains from my golf course in Casco Maine. The snow is there until mid July and these mountains will take your breath away. I’ve driven from my camp in Maine to North Conway in clear weather then an hour later it’s a white out. May she Rest In Peace. So young, so sad.

[@glennquagmire1747]

Her lack of preparation for this trip was her undoing so sadly she earned the Darwin award

[@thecatatemyhomework]

And her mother as well.

[@priscamolotsi]

The mother is a medical practitioner and she didn’t check to see her daughter had enough warm clothes and necessities? Just dropped her off in freezing weather?! My goodness 😮!

[@isailevilopez5134]

White people 🤣🤣🤣

[@hollyannbest2300]

Hiking, swimming, camping & lots of other activities should never be done alone, never.

[@deelite5176]

Basically she allowed her daughter to walk into a Deathwish. I know that’s harsh to say but I could not allow my daughter to be by her self and hike in frigid weather. I’m from Florida and I know that was frigid weather.

[@alpineazalea8029]

You're judging mom pretty harshly for this. Emily was a legal adult and made a stupid decision, not unusual for young legal adults. Mom can only do so much, Florida.

[@philkim8297]

Dropped off your teenage kid by herself in subzero temperatures...

[@jhors7777]

Thank you for posting this video

[@laraschauble]

As a New Englander l don't understand how under prepared she was for her hike...ESPECIALLY if she had previous hikes in the white mountains...Tragically she learned a hard lesson and paid it with her life...

[@pamflowers8364]

It's hard to understand why she didn't have the usual items for the conditions. But mostly I keep thinking about her last hours. Freezing is very painful until you are unconscious. She must have been so scared when she realized how much trouble she was in. RIP

[@1965JB]

My dad took me hiking up Lafayette in November when I was 8 years old. Nice fall day at the base, hellish blizzard winds and snow 1,000 feet below peak. Not sure he wasn’t trying to kill me. I have just a few more stories like this than I’d like to be sure.

[@wanderlustandsparkle4395]

I've hiked in Central California for a year and 5 months the amount of ignorance was not surprising. This past weekend I went hiking in Griffith Park and there was a Goth Girl hiking in All black including wearing a long skirt and high heeled boots in the hot sun and no water just a phone in one hand and car keys in the other 🤦‍♀️

[@katrinashostakovich3607]

Wow. Hello from Santa Barbara

[@user-ky4qq7pm1i]

Goth girls aren't known for their high IQs LMAO

[@precisionanglingYT]

Them mountains are no joke. Mt Madison almost claimed our 6 person group in spring of 03. I was in high school, along with 3 other high schoolers, led by 2 Unity College students, who got us lost, mega lost, with places having 3+ ft of snow. We barely made it out!!

[@TragicTales611]

Woow! What a heavy story, glad you guys survived! Thanks for sharing this

[@Jekyll_Island_Creatures]

You should tell your story, it might save someone from getting into the same predicament.

[@arielmcgillacuddy6640]

What a lovely young lady she was. Her parents should be very proud of her. May she Rest In Peace.

[@profhortsunlover1536]

wow, an actual decent comment, very rare, most of the comments are sickening, disgusting, downright hatefilled

[@user-ky4qq7pm1i]

@@profhortsunlover1536 We should just never call people out on mistakes and let people keep repeating those mistakes because not doing so is "hateful" and "Disgusting" right? People like you enable this shit to keep happening.

[@TheMattTrakker]

@@user-ky4qq7pm1i People like the one you're responding to are exactly why we have situations like in this video. That girl needed someone to tell her she was being stupid instead of just how stunning and brave she was.

[@kathleenthomas1971]

finally! a story i havent heard about! great video

[@TragicTales611]

Thanks you very much! I appreciate 🙏🏻

[@peterdoring7521]

I made a similar mistake long ago, it was autumn and I was not a really experienced hiker. When I started I did not expect snowfall as it was not that cold in the past days (in the valley...). I admit I also did not check the weather forecast...it looked fine in the morning....I was hiking alone too.... when I got very high the beginning snowfall immediately covered all marks and signs of the trail and you could not see that far. I remember I came from top of the mountain and the new snow already reached my hips...I could only move very slowly and just estimated the direction, it was already getting dark and quite cold. After moving up and down for some time hoping for the right direction all of a sudden I saw a dark spot in the distance and I was really lucky: it was a warm shelter with people in...Some days later I heard that a hiker was killed in the very same area due to the bad weather as he lost his way. Although my equipment was not that bad (protected against wind and cold, also good hiking boots, trekking poles and gloves, food, even bivy bag, but no sleeping bag....that would have been a very cold unpleasant night) my main fault apart from missing the weather forecast was not to take a gps device...although they were already available. With a GPS device that shows your track or even better a digital map it is nearly impossible to get lost. I don´t understand why Emily did not use her phone as a GPS device or a compass, nearly all mobiles have it nowadays....apart from that the most important rule if you are lost in a cold night: Don´t stop to move even if you are tired. You will die soon if you lay down and fall asleep. Women are even more sensitive to cold. You will get very tired but as long as you move you will not freeze to death. And maybe someone finds you or you will find a way the next day. RIP Emily

[@nvtruant5994]

17 years as a winter response search and rescue member has lead me to believe the number one cause of most misadventures is over estimating ones experience.

[@yasminalbayati]

I feel that her mother should be blamed, she’s a psychiatric with medical degree and left her daughter of 19 years only to hike ALONE in that freezing area !!! I can’t get it. R.I.P Emily 😢

[@TheDogondone]

Holy smokes! Summiting 43 peaks above 4000 feet by the time you're 23? Wow she had some hardcore ambition, that is inspiring.

[@nlwilson4892]

You want people to be inspired to kill themselves? No point having ambition if you don't temper if with knowing your ability. If she had that ambition, fine, but she should have planned every peak, when she would do them and had the right gear. Frankly, it isn't a huge goal at all if you have the time and money to get to the bottom of each over a few years.

[@mlee40738]

Not too inspiring without the education, preparation, and knowledge. I'd just call it dumb.

[@hurpaderpp]

Its not that hard. I have done 4-5 in a single day in NH

[@TheMattTrakker]

...She died.

[@JCJeffrey]

I mean, I don’t know a single parent who would drop their child off in negative 30 degree weather for a hike. I don’t care if you are a adult, common sense should let you know that. 😢

[@paulkenny267]

I live 15 mins from Lafayette here in Twin Mtn. This was avoidable and so sad. If only more experienced winter climbers were there that day. They surely would have stopped her from that climb. Only compassion for her heartbroken mom and family.

[@TheMattTrakker]

Do you really think she was the type that'd listen?

[@DanGtube32]

​@@TheMattTrakkerprobably not I was hiking MT Washington the highest peak there I was coming down it was 5 pm and getting dark I seen a woman with a dress and slides in I told her to turn around if she was smart she didn't listen not even 2 minutes later I heard her yelling she twisted her ankle a 45 minute hike out took almost 3 hours.

[@daviddedominici1705]

This really is sad, damn - but wtf - she was from the area, and it sounds like she had at least some experience. Hiking through the Presidentials with no winter gear...in NOVEMBER?! I don't know what to make of that - it sounds like she knew better. Ugh. What a horrible story, and I didn't hear anything about it at the time. Condolences to the family. It sounds like she was an awesome girl. One silly mistake...

[@KaliKali-hv9bt]

My sentiments exactly. Sure seemed like she would have been bright enough and sensible enough to be more prepared than that. Geez. The anguish she caused her family... :(

[@empressmarowynn]

I love hiking but for any excursions where I know it's even slightly risky I always make sure I have a friend come with me. The last thing I want is to be hurt somewhere with no way to get help. If you don't have a friend who can/wants to join you there are many online forums and groups where I'm sure you can find a fellow hiker. Like 5% common sense can prevent so many tragedies.

[@He4venlyBody]

Poor child sounded hasty & over-confident

[@robertmalfy8552]

You put yourself in dangerous situations unprepared you are asking for trouble it's a tragedy that didn't have to happen

[@TragicTales611]

Very sad indeed😢

[@aedansilva1114]

She didn't "put herself in a dangerous situations". Have some compassion. I live in NH. She didn't check the weather on the mountain and went by the weather that day in the rest of Nh

[@davidhansen4927]

​@@aedansilva1114 you literally just explained how she put herself in a dangerous situation. Try to have some self awareness.

[@sandralauzon9416]

Despite young adults using social media for hours daily....ill prepared hikes continue. How many times to ignore cardinal rules? Bravado that backfires.

[@bonnieforman9700]

I climbed Mt. Lafayette in the middle of summer. I was hit by hail, thunder and lightening, torrential rain and thick fog. I can't imagine what winter would be like. I haven't hiked a mountain since. I guess I'm a wimp, but I don't care.

[@whims6278]

Oh my god. This girl is from my town I grew up in and is about my age. I'd somehow never heard of this. I only just began the video, but it's weird to have it be so close to home. Holy crap and I was up at the flume and gorge a few months after she went. My god this breaks my heart.

[@lilycalir6515]

It was plastered all over national news at the time. Were u living under a rock

[@DanGtube32]

The flum is a nice hike

[@manifestgtr]

I was probably hunting nearby (relatively speaking…within a hundred miles or so) when this happened…4:30 is about when you start getting into place for sunrise. My brother and I have a cabin in the white mountains and I’m tellling you, man…it’s no joke to be up that high in late November. As far as mountain ranges go, the white mountains aren’t particularly treacherous but that breeds its own brand of danger. Going out there that time of year without proper winter gear is insanity. It regularly falls down into the teens at night with wind to boot. We’re African apes, dude…we aren’t built for these types of weather conditions so you need to *really* pay attention. BTW, what’s up with this mom? Mothers typically hold out hope far longer than anyone else…and this mom is like “naw, she’s dead already” while the search is happening? That’s like…really odd behavior to me. I understand that people react differently in these types of situations. But that’s an EXTREME reaction to have when your kid is missing in the mountains for godsake.

[@timo1312]

I agree, quite remarkable comment by her mother. Even more so because her mom was the one that dropped her off there, only hours before basically. So she first drops her daughter off with just some summer clothes in the snow basically no worries and then the next day she's missing and is like yeah she's probably dead already like it's no big deal

[@misarthim6538]

@@timo1312 Right?! And then she's like - she could've done great things but I'd settle for just having her back even without that. Who says that about her deceased daughter?? I kind of wonder if the mother wasn't maybe pushing her to achieve that goal, like sometimes you get these overambitious parents that project onto their children. Also ... 'I know nothing of mountains'... again ... I don't want to psychoanalyze her, but man,... She sounds ... weird, honestly.

[@anneofgreengables1619]

Good point re the mom. Weird.

[@EllesGhost13]

She'd done 40 summits, so had experience, but still fked up that bad?

[@itsanorristhing3825]

My sister lives up in the White Mountains and she goes on these trails all the time and tells me how dangerous they can be. I am from RI and yes we are from New England but NH winters are very different. I would not make it up and I am a winter girl.

[@dreamlifter2701]

This story is tragic but it serves as a cautionary tale. I’ve been hiking in the white mountains in New Hampshire for many years and today I completed this hike alone. I understand hiking alone is not always best but I always prepare accordingly and make sure I have the right gear and equipment with me. As long as you plan appropriately, bring the right equipment and make sure you tell others where your going then you will be fine. The white mountains are no joke especially in the winter so it’s very important to be prepared for the worst and only take on hikes you are truly experienced enough and capable of handling. Happy trails.

[@WRLO56]

Laurence Gonzales once pointed out that too often, "experienced" simply means they've been lucky enough to get away with doing stupid things longer than most. No hat? No map or GPS? No overnight survival gear? It's a wonder that she got away with it as long as she did.

[@mikatu]

She was not a hiker. She would like to be consider one, but she was no hiker. A hiker would recognize those conditions as unsuitable to hike and not even consider it. If she decided to go she would have prepare correctly. That was no hiker behavior. And the mother.... let's not even talk about her. She was worse than her daughter!

[@daren7889]

SERIOUSLY ? Both her parents were doctors??? And yet it was OK for them to drop off their daughter ,in the winter , in below zero temperatures! Hello!!! HYPOTHERMIA??????? You don't have to be an MD to see that that was a very bad idea! Tom Brown the Tracker runs a Survival school! Tom has written many books about Survival the Native American way! Tom was trained in the 1960's by an Apache Elder and Scout! Tom lived in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area in Montana for 1 year. He went into this Grizzly bear country with 2 knife! He made all his clothing. He was successful! He later trained US Army Rangers Survival techniques , the Apache way. You working with not AGAINST NATURE! He also helped track missing children in wildness areas with the FBI!

[@AlexJamesRas]

Good luck on the new Channel.

[@TragicTales611]

Thank you very much🙏

[@adrianakessler384]

I appreciate you have a short video to tell the story! So many you tubers are stretching their videos, way too long.😉

[@TragicTales611]

Thank you very much! I appreciate this😊

[@jomama5186]

Oh no. Poor sweet girl. I don't think she fully understand the seriousness and severity of things.

[@2centz143]

I don’t understand… she and her mother were aware of the cold temperatures but neither thought she should take more gear?!?!?!

[@justicegusting2476]

It always amazes me how, by virtue of being a college student, one is automatically endowed with infinite wisdom.

[@davedemyan3302]

As a timber faller in the inland northwest forests, it wasnt uncommon to work in subzero weather. Wool, wool, wool insulated boots and gloves, along with high energy food and lots of water were necessary. In addition always working with a partner is a necessity. So sorry that youth and overconfidence claimed the life of such a lovely person.

[@BellaJoASMR]

Coming from money really does buy you a delusional sense of safety no matter what

[@angelina7436]

Also didn't her mother see her off when she also sick in the head I mean come on you see your child going up into the mountains and the midst of a blizzard with a jacket shoes and a granola bar and fruit are you absolutely insane wow I guess they were both confused shame on her mom she should have known better

[@KaliKali-hv9bt]

exactly ...I don't care how favorable the conditions were that day when she started out. She should've known a bit better since hiking is what she loved to do also living in cold climates.

[@waynemoseley691]

Excellent video 👋😉

[@TragicTales611]

Thank you very much! 🙏🏻 I really appreciate 😊

[@colleenjeffries3334]

I'd never drop my child off in sub zero weather in such a cold climate. It's sad she didn't have the proper gear and other important supplies to maintain her life. I'm sorry she passed. My condolences to her family.😢😢😢❤❤❤

[@susiearviso3032]

Don't go on hikes like this alone. Emily did not have enough supplies. Just a cell phone is not enough. She was not prepared as she should've been. Warmer clothes, more food were necessary, as well. It was stupid to do what she did. She wasn't properly prepared.

[@JasonPhillip303]

I think people in very developed countries lose their survival instinct

[@jaredpeterson380]

Raised by 2 doctors that had no idea what -30F. Is like. Nobody is more confident and fearless than young women. No real reason to be confident or fearless.

[@robertwaid3579]

A Very Tragic Story about a very promising Young Lady, who was Apparently Not trained properly in Her Chosen Hobby of Hiking? Whoever She was instructed by prior too Her Eventual Death ☠️💀. I'D Say they had definitely Not given Her, Sound Fundamentals, or the ability to prepare Herself Correctly. FGI Anyone who goes Trekking, Hiking or Trail Exploring in the Fall Months? Especially late in November should know too Pack accordingly for Severe Weather Changes. I'M sad for Emily's Family & Friend's. But for Christs Sake even Her Mother who dropped Her Off, at the Trailhead should have been more Prudent. Just about Her Obviously Light, & Inadequate Clothing, She was Wearing then. Well I won't Say anything more, as it would be Wrong & Rude too belittle the Deceased. Hopefully Emily's Tragic End? Will be a Good Lesson, & An Example, to the Other Avid Hiker's/Trekkers WORLD Wide to be More prepared, at any & All Time's. Thank You for Sharing, & May Emily RIP AMEN 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@troykeith5396]

I met so many people on the Appalachian trail That was not prepared

[@qrstw]

I've hiked in similar conditions and you could maybe do with what she had if you kept a very fast pace that didn't allow her bodyheat to lower. However, something that is absolutely indespendable and frankly stupid she didn't have was proper footwear. Once your feet freeze it's game over.

[@drmichaelshea]

The illusion of immortality is sometimes fatal. What a sad thing too lose a bright young star.

[@JnstBrimstone]

Her mother was a medical professional but still dropped her off at the trail in subzero temperature. Scary.

[@valvodka]

She's not a real doctor, judt a Phd

[@illiterate.ink.]

That's fucked up. Hiking alone especially as a fem is hazardous

[@dsbmwhacker]

Growing up in the Montana mountains, I learned that naivety is deadly in the mountains. In one instance we planned a 50 mile Winter trek over mountains to Yellowstone Park. When the weather turned terrible we had enough common sense to abort our plans and return. That decision was the best we could have made.