21-Year-Old Hiker Dies of Hypothermia on New York's Tallest Mountain

Brianna Mohr slipped off the trail near the summit of Mount Marcy during a winter hike with her dog.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 21-year-old New Jersey woman named Brianna Mohr died of hypothermia after slipping off a trail near the summit of New York's tallest mountain, Mount Marcy, during a winter hike. Mohr called 911 to report she was unable to get back on the trail, and an extensive search by New York State Forest Rangers eventually found her deceased around 9 PM that evening.

Why it matters

Hiking in extreme winter conditions can be extremely dangerous, and this tragic incident highlights the importance of proper preparation, equipment, and caution when attempting to summit high-altitude peaks, even for experienced hikers. The Adirondacks are a popular outdoor destination, and this serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved.

The details

Brianna Mohr, a 21-year-old from New Jersey, was hiking with her dog near the 5,344-foot summit of Mount Marcy, New York's tallest mountain, when she slipped off the trail and was unable to get back on. Mohr called 911 at 3:05 PM to report her situation, and an extensive search was launched by New York State Forest Rangers using snowmobiles, a tracked utility vehicle, and the state police Aviation Unit. However, rangers were unable to locate Mohr until around 9 PM, at which point she was pronounced dead. The autopsy determined the cause of death to be hypothermia.

  • Mohr called 911 at 3:05 PM on February 12 to report she had slipped off the trail.
  • Rangers searched for Mohr for several hours, finally locating her around 9 PM that evening.
  • Mohr was pronounced dead at the scene, and an autopsy later determined the cause of death to be hypothermia.

The players

Brianna Mohr

A 21-year-old hiker from New Jersey who died of hypothermia after slipping off the trail near the summit of Mount Marcy.

New York State Forest Rangers

The search and rescue team that responded to Mohr's 911 call and conducted an extensive search, eventually locating her deceased near the summit.

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What they’re saying

“You were the best friend and sister I could have ever asked for growing up with you was awesome because I always had you to tell me what was cool and what wasn't because you were and always will be the coolest person I know.”

— Ryan Mohr, Brianna Mohr's brother (Instagram)

“I am so lost.”

— Stephanie West, Brianna Mohr's mother (Instagram)

What’s next

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is investigating the incident to determine if any safety improvements can be made to the hiking trails on Mount Marcy.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of hiking in extreme winter conditions, even on well-known trails. It underscores the importance of proper preparation, equipment, and caution when attempting to summit high-altitude peaks, and the need for hikers to be aware of their limits and the risks involved.