21-Year-Old New Jersey Woman Dies Hiking Mount Marcy with Dog

Brianna L. Mohr succumbed to hypothermia after becoming stranded near the summit of New York's highest peak.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 7:39pm

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Brianna L. Mohr, a 21-year-old from Brick, New Jersey, died of hypothermia on Thursday while hiking Mount Marcy in the Adirondacks with her dog. Mohr called 911 after slipping near the summit and being unable to get back on the trail, but despite a search effort by forest rangers and state police, she was found dead around 9 p.m. near the summit. Her dog was rescued safely.

Why it matters

Hiking Mount Marcy, New York's highest peak at 5,344 feet, can be extremely dangerous in the winter when temperatures plummet and the mountain is covered in deep snow. This tragic incident highlights the risks of hiking high peaks in harsh winter conditions and the importance of being prepared with proper gear and knowing one's limits.

The details

According to state police, Mohr called 911 at 3:05 p.m. on Thursday to report that she had slipped near the summit and could not get back on the trail. Forest rangers immediately began searching for her using snowmobiles, tracked utility vehicles, and a state police helicopter, but heavy cloud cover made it impossible for the helicopter to spot her. Around 9 p.m., a ranger on the ground found Mohr's body near the summit. An autopsy determined she died of hypothermia.

  • Mohr called 911 at 3:05 p.m. on Thursday, February 17, 2026.
  • Mohr's body was found around 9 p.m. the same day.
  • Mohr's body was recovered by rangers early Friday morning on February 18, 2026.

The players

Brianna L. Mohr

A 21-year-old woman from Brick, New Jersey who died of hypothermia while hiking Mount Marcy with her dog.

New York State Police

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and released information about Mohr's death.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The agency that oversees the Adirondack Park and coordinated the search and rescue effort on Mount Marcy.

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What’s next

The New York State Police and Department of Environmental Conservation will likely review the incident to determine if any changes to hiking safety protocols or rescue procedures are needed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of hiking high peaks in harsh winter conditions, even for experienced hikers. It underscores the importance of being fully prepared, knowing one's limits, and never underestimating the power of nature, especially in remote and unforgiving environments like the Adirondacks.