New York hiker airlifted after head injury on Reed Lakes trail

A New York resident fell and struck his head on the Reeds Lake trail in Hatcher Pass on Friday, requiring a helicopter evacuation to a local hospital.

Palmer Alaska Wildlife Troopers responded to the trail at approximately 3:15 p.m., hiked to David Lester's location, and escorted him to a Department of Public Safety helicopter for transport.

Hatcher Pass is north of Anchorage in the Talkeetna Mountains and draws heavy summer visitor traffic.

The Mat-Su Borough notes that the trail system there is not maintained by the borough, meaning hikers must be prepared for variable and potentially hazardous conditions before setting out. Access to trailheads runs along roughly 22 miles of gravel road that can develop ruts after heavy rains, a factor that can complicate emergency response.

The pass is promoted for day hiking and scenic recreation, but that promotion comes with safety and trip-planning warnings for anyone heading into the backcountry.