Joseph Eggleston, 53, died after falling from a cliff on Mount Willard in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on Saturday, Dec. 10. According to NH Fish & Game Dept. officials, who assisted in the recovery effort, Eggleston and his wife had hiked to the summit of Mount Willard, where they stopped to rest and take in the view. Eggleston apparently stepped up onto a rock, possibly to take a photo, and either slipped or tripped, tumbling some 300 feet to the rocks below.

Both Eggleston and his wife were said to be experienced White Mountains hikers, and both were wearing microspikes. The summit of Mount Willard was not reported to be overly icy.

It is the first death recorded on the mountain in 18 years.