Maine Wardens Won't Charge For Medford Skier's Rescue

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine Warden Service says it will not charge a 17-year-old skier who was missing for two nights near Sugarloaf Mountain for rescue operations, which could exceed $10,000.

Spokesman Doug Rafferty says Nicholas Joy of Medford, Mass., was neither reckless nor negligent when he went off the ski trail and discovered he had lost his way. A review also shows the teenager showed skill at survival techniques as he remained missing Sunday and Monday nights.

He was rescued Tuesday morning west of Sugarloaf Mountain by a snowmobiler who went out looking for him, and was released from the hospital in good shape the next day.

The search involved 85 people from the Warden Service, military and trained volunteer groups.

Sugarloaf officials also say they have no intention to charge Joy.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.