Body Of Mass. Hiker, 17, Recovered From Franconia Falls In Lincoln, N.H.

Authorities say a 17-year-old Massachusetts hiker has died after falling into Franconia Falls in Lincoln.

Emergency crews searched for Julia Hassan of Lowell for four hours before recovering her body Tuesday.

Conservation Officer Jeremy Hawkes said Hassan was at the falls with friends who wanted to swim and use the boulders as a waterslide, a popular activity. They attempted to cross the brook to get to a safer location where the water wasn't so high. While attempting to cross between two rocks, Hassan lost her footing and was immediately swept into the rapids.

Hawkes said heavy rain caused the boulders to be extremely slippery and caused high water conditions.

Hassan's friends had to hike back three miles to the Lincoln Woods parking area to flag down a passing driver who called 911, as there was no cellphone reception in the area.

Searchers included New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers and crews from Lincoln and Woodstock.