More than 30 rescue workers responded to Jennings Peak in Waterville Valley on June 8 to assist 21-year-old Ian Gargasz of Hollis who had fallen and injured his leg. Courtesy photo/New Hampshire Fish and Game

WATERVILLE VALLEY – Ian Gargasz, 21, of Hollis, had just started his descent from the summit of Jennings Peak when he fell and injured his lower leg on the afternoon of June 8.

Unable to put any weight on his injured leg, Gargasz was in need of rescue.

According to New Hampshire Fish and Game, conservation officers were notified of the situation shortly before 1 p.m. More than 30 rescue workers responded to the Drakes Brook Trailhead and started up the mountain at 2 p.m.

In addition to Fish and Game, other responding agencies included Lakes Region Search and Rescue, the Waterville Valley Safety Department and Pemi Valley Search and Rescue.

Because Gargasz was stranded just below the 3,493-foot summit, it took rescuers two hours to reach him and another 25 minutes to secure him on a stretcher. From there, they began the three-and-a-half mile trek back to the base of the mountain, arriving at 7 p.m.

Once he was back at the trailhead, Gargasz was met by family members who took him to a local hospital.

According to Fish and Game officials, Gargasz was not hiking alone and was prepared for a day in the White Mountains.

Jennings Peak is located in the Sandwich Range of the White Mountain National Forest and is a subsidiary of Sandwich Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 3,983 feet.