NM National Guard rescues man hurt by horse in Gila Wilderness

Sep. 19—The New Mexico National Guard rescued a 45-year-old Texas man in the Gila Wilderness after he was bucked off a horse during a hunting trip with friends.

National Guard spokesperson Hank Minitrez said around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, a HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter responded to a call of a man trampled by the horse north of Silver City "in an extremely remote portion of the Gila Wilderness."

Minitrez told the Journal the man was hunting in the area with three friends when the horse he was riding got spooked, bucked him off, then trampled him. The man suffered broken ribs, an injured ankle and internal injuries.

Minitrez said the four-person crew of the helicopter, "Lobo Six," hoisted the man into the helicopter. He was flown to Albuquerque and taken to a hospital.

"I'm relieved we were able to airlift the individual from such a remote area, provide initial medical aid and transport them for further medical care," Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar said in a statement. "I'm proud of our team for handing the rescue with such expertise, once again highlighting what we do in the Guard to serve New Mexico and our communities. That's our purpose."

The helicopter crew included Capt. Chris Otero, the pilot in command; pilot Chief Warrant Officer 3 Carlton Charles; crew chief Staff Sgt. Ben Vasquez; and flight medic Staff Sgt. Adam Gross.

Minitrez said the rescue marked the first use of the Guard's new HH-60M, also known as the "Mike" model helicopter that is designed for medical evacuation use.