RANDOLPH, N.H. — A hiker who fell to his death off the summit of Mt. Willard in Crawford Notch on Saturday, Dec. 10, has been identified as a longtime employee of the Mt. Washington Cog Railway.
WMUR-TV reports that New Hampshire Fish and Game officials on Monday identified the victim as Joseph “Eggy” Eggleston, 53, of Randolph, N.H. He fell about 300 feet while hiking with his wife on Saturday morning; officials said he and his wife are frequent hikers who were well prepared for the hike and weather conditions.
Eggleston had worked for the railroad since 1993, starting as a welder, and eventually became an engineer, developing a way to perform the job despite hearing impairment resulting from a childhood illness.
The Conway Daily Sun reports Eggleston met his wife, Kelly, at the Cog Railway, where she worked part time as a brakeman. She also works for the USDA.
The railway, in a tribute on its Facebook page, said “his passion for The Cog was evident to anyone who ever shared a moment or a shift with him.” Trainmaster Andy Villaine said, “Eggy’s warm smile and passion for what he did will always be remembered by those he touched.”
You never know when you can do a misstep. He backed up to take a picture and slipped and fell. Even the most experienced can do that when you don’t check and double check everything you are doing in unsafe conditions.
As one who has experienced the Cog Railway 7 times, and Conway Scenic’s Notch Train 3 times, I can say that one of the best things about them is the people who work there. The Cog and CS train crews have always been extremely friendly, spirited, and determined to see that the passengers enjoy the ride. The Cog folks have a slightly more challenging time of it because a good percentage of the riders are scared to death, especially those on the north side of the train. My wife was terrified when we went up about 35 years ago. Once you get past Waumbek tank the view down Burt Ravine will take your breath away. The train clanks and lurches up the tracks which adds to the suspense, especially on the steam trips. The crews tell jokes to ease the concerns of the uninitiated and prepare the passengers for the hikers on the Appalachian Trail who moon the train as it passes.
I’ve had many extended conversations with crew members of both roads and been given an impromptu tour of MWCR’s shop. I’ve never met a nicer group of people.
My heart and prayers go out to Mr. Eggleston’s family and to all those who work to make both adventures so enjoyable and now face this time of grief and mourning.
Very sad indeed, and tragic. At the “bald spot” mentioned by Mr. Andre, the same popular cliff edge that provides the spectacular view of Crawford Notch he also mentioned is unforgiving; caution must be exercised even on the most perfect summer day.
Very sad. I’ve hiked Mt Willard a few times. It’s a relatively easy hike from the Crawford Depot train station (“Crawfords”) to a bald spot that gives you a spectacular view of Crawford Notch. It’s a very popular hike but it can get very icy in the winter. Deepest condolences to his wife, family and friends. RIP “Eggy”.