At the age of 17, hugh herr a rock climbing accident. He became lost With his friend Jeff Batzer on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, U.S. The Weather was terrible, with temperatures beow-20°F For four days, the two men waited for help in the snow and ice. They didn't have much equipment or any food. when help arrived, Hugh couldn't feel his legs. He spent two months the hospital and finally loet both egs at tbe knee. doctors gaye him two artificial legse but they were painful, and he couldn't Continue rock climbing.