Hiker, 61, battles agonizing injury on grueling climb, resets dislocated shoulder himself
Hiker Resets Dislocated Shoulder and Reaches Mount Washington Summit After Slip on Granite
A 61‑year‑old Connecticut hiker, Kurt Siuzdak, sustained a dislocated shoulder during a morning ascent of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington but was able to reset the injury and reach the summit before receiving medical evaluation.
Siuzdak began his trek at roughly 4 a.m. on Tuesday, following a typical early‑morning start on the mountain’s popular route. About six hours later, at around 10 a.m., he slipped on a wet granite slab in the Lakes of the Clouds area. The fall caused him to dislocate his shoulder and injure his back.
Despite the injury, Siuzdak continued climbing. He was found by another hiker about five hours after the slip, near the lower reaches of the trail. When New Hampshire Fish and Game officers arrived at around 5 p.m., Siuzdak was still making his way upward, albeit at a slow pace. “I’m going to keep going and figure out my options once I get to the summit,” he told the rescuers, a statement later reported by the Boston Globe.
While moving up the final stretch, Siuzdak managed to reset his dislocated shoulder by himself. After reaching the summit under his own power, emergency personnel evaluated him on the peak. He requested to be taken to his car so that he could drive himself to urgent‑care facilities.
Officials from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department noted that Siuzdak had prepared for the climb by packing extra gear, including warm clothing and a first‑aid kit—items that proved essential during the incident. The agency praised his preparedness and noted that he expressed gratitude for following their recommendations.
The incident highlights the importance of proper preparation for mountain hikes, especially in unpredictable weather conditions that can make seemingly safe granite surfaces treacherous. Siuzdak’s experience serves as a reminder that even when serious injuries occur, adequate gear and determination can enable hikers to complete their climbs safely.