In Memory of William Davis — A Tragic Loss on Mount Washington
A somber cloud hangs over the White Mountains of New Hampshire following the heartbreaking discovery of 79-year-old William Davis, a Florida man whose life came to a tragic end after he went missing near the summit of Mount Washington. What began as a scenic railway trip for William and his wife on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, ended two days later in sorrow and shock as searchers located his remains after a massive rescue effort.
According to the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, William and his wife had ridden the iconic Cog Railway to the top of Mount Washington — a cherished destination known for its sweeping views and unpredictable weather. It was supposed to be a peaceful, memorable outing. But at approximately 3:20 p.m., everything changed. William was last seen by his wife near the observation deck, a popular spot for visitors to take in the mountain’s breathtaking scenery.
But after that moment, William vanished.
“From there, no one knows where he went,” read the chilling statement from New Hampshire Fish and Game.
Initial reports revealed that William managed to call a State Park employee, sounding disoriented and unsure of his location. He admitted he was lost and believed he had wandered off-trail. Though he suggested he wasn’t far from the summit, concern quickly mounted when searchers could not locate him. Alarmingly, after an hour of trying to maintain contact, William stopped answering his phone. The realization that something was terribly wrong set in.
The formal search began around 6:00 p.m. that evening, with nearly two dozen rescuers and a drone team scouring the rugged terrain. They searched through the night until 2:00 a.m., only to resume again at daybreak. But nature proved to be a cruel adversary — harsh conditions with temperatures in the 40s, relentless rain, and a biting wind chill of 32 degrees forced them to suspend the search temporarily.
The searchers, however, did not give up.
On Friday morning, the search effort intensified once more. Around 11:00 a.m., their worst fears were confirmed. William Davis’s body was found approximately 400 feet off the Lion Head Trail, in a rocky area between the Alpine Garden Trail and the Tuckerman Ravine Trail — a treacherous and unforgiving section of the mountain.
How William reached that location remains a painful mystery.
“He was not a hiker, had no map, and every indication is he wandered off the summit without telling anyone where he was going,” officials said.
For many, this tragedy highlights the harsh realities and hidden dangers of the White Mountains — a region famed for its beauty but notorious for sudden weather shifts and hazardous terrain. Mount Washington, despite its tourist-friendly summit, has claimed many lives over the years due to its unpredictable conditions.
Though the exact cause of death has not yet been determined, initial reports indicate that William suffered a significant fall down a steep, rocky slope. His body has since been transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for a full autopsy.
The news has struck a deep chord within both the local community and among tourists familiar with Mount Washington’s history. What was meant to be a joyful outing turned into an unimaginable tragedy — a reminder of nature’s unforgiving power and the critical importance of preparation, even for casual visitors.
William Davis leaves behind a grieving wife and loved ones who must now carry the weight of this loss. The sorrow of his passing is profound, a painful testament to how a moment’s disorientation can lead to irreversible consequences.
May William Davis be remembered not only for the tragedy of his death but for the life he lived and the love he shared. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who mourn his untimely passing. May they find comfort and peace in the midst of such sorrow.