Wanderer’s haunting last message to his wife before he dies of severe hypothermia in snow and 80 mph winds

A HIKER’S haunting final message to his wife has been revealed after he died of severe hypothermia in the snow and 80mph winds.

A “high-risk” rescue was conducted for 53-year-old Xi Chen from the Gulfside Trail on Saturday night, but attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.

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Chen became unresponsive and suffered from severe hypothermia, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department officials said.

Officials continued to try to revive Chen before carrying him more than a mile to the top of Mount Washington, where he was then transported to an ambulance at the base of the mountain.

He was later pronounced dead at Androscoggin Valley Hospital after medics tried to save him for several hours.

Officials said Chen texted his wife that he was “cold and wet and could not continue.”

“He went on to say that he felt he was going to die without rescue,” the press release said.

Chen’s wife then contacted officials who helped facilitate the rescue mission.

Fish and Game Department officials had received a number of calls from hikers on Saturday due to the treacherous weather conditions.

In the high peaks of the mountains, rain mixed with sleet and snow, all in freezing temperatures.

Officials said Chen was attempting to cross the Presidential Range when the storm overwhelmed him.

Located in the White Mountains, the Presidential Traverse features some of New Hampshire’s tallest peaks.

The trek includes reaching Madison Peak, Adams Peak, the Jefferson and Washington Summits, and then Mounts Monroe, Eisenhower, Pierce, and Jackson.

With good preparation and optimal weather conditions, the hike can usually be completed in two to three days.

Chen lived in Andover, Massachusetts.