Military, Firefighters, Crews Rescue Injured Hikers Across Multiple States

A hiker who fell nearly 100 feet on the Dog Canyon Trail in Alamogordo, New Mexico, suffered severe head trauma and required an urgent nighttime rescue. After local agencies declined due to hazardous weather and terrain, military crews from Fort Bliss in El Paso responded, executing a high-risk hoist operation in challenging conditions including darkness and high winds. The injured hiker was stabilized at the scene and airlifted by Black Hawk helicopter to a hospital in El Paso for further treatment. Army officials noted the rescue tested both the crew and the aircraft, highlighting the readiness and professionalism of the soldiers involved. Fort Bliss emphasized its commitment to supporting the community in emergencies.