Hiker Surprised with a Proposal While Being Carried Off Mountain on a Stretcher: ‘She Said Yes’

A recent hiking expedition on Mount Kearsarge in New Hampshire took an unexpected turn when a woman, injured during the trek, found herself the recipient of a surprise marriage proposal. The incident unfolded on Saturday, 11th July, attracting both local rescue teams and the attention of the public.

Alexis Hardy, a 29-year-old resident of Sandown, was hiking along the Barlow Trail when she sustained a serious injury to her lower leg. Reports indicate that the injury rendered her unable to walk, prompting her hiking partner, Tim Dupere, to alert local authorities for assistance. As Hardy’s condition required immediate attention, New Hampshire Fish and Game officers were dispatched to the scene to carry out the rescue operation.

Upon arrival, the rescue team swiftly assessed the situation and determined that Hardy needed to be transported down the mountain using a rescue stretcher. It was during this critical moment that Dupere opted to proceed with a carefully planned proposal, despite the challenging circumstances.

As the team prepared to carry Hardy away from the mountain, Dupere took the opportunity to propose to her. In what can only be described as a heartfelt gesture amidst the chaos, he asked for her hand in marriage. Much to the delight of onlookers, Hardy accepted the proposal, marking a joyous moment in an otherwise distressing situation.

Witnesses captured the moment as Hardy, still strapped to the stretcher, looked down at her new engagement ring with a mixture of surprise and happiness. The love and determination displayed by Dupere during the rescue was a highlight among the team of rescuers, who were there to ensure Hardy’s safe descent from the mountain.

After the proposal, the rescue team successfully transported Hardy to the summit and down onto the Rollins Trail. Following her safe extraction, she was quickly taken to Concord Hospital by an ambulance from Hopkinton for treatment of her injuries. Despite the injury, the couple’s spirits remained high, buoyed by their engagement and the support of the rescue teams.

New Hampshire Fish and Game officials took a moment to acknowledge the couple’s engagement, sharing their congratulations publicly. “New Hampshire Fish and Game would like to congratulate Alexis Hardy and Tim Dupere on their engagement!” they stated, underscoring the blend of excitement and relief felt by everyone involved in the incident.

This unusual combination of a rescue operation and a life-changing proposal has not only highlighted the unexpected twists in life but also the strong bonds that can form under pressure. The love story of Hardy and Dupere serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, moments of joy and connection can emerge.

As news of their engagement spreads, many have expressed their wishes for a swift recovery for Hardy and the beginnings of another journey for the newly engaged couple. The uplifting story of resilience and romance amidst a challenging situation has elicited admiration and joy from members of the community and beyond.