Four hikers have died from extreme heat in the Grand Canyon during June
The national park authorities reported that the victims were traveling in areas where temperatures exceeded 43 ° C.
At least four hikers died this month from suspected complications associated with extreme heat while hiking trails in the Grand Canyon, the US National Park Service (NPS) reported.
In a statement released on June 19, the agency detailed that park rangers and emergency teams attended two different incidents that occurred on June 12 and 16 within the so-called Inner Canyon, one of the most demanding areas of the park, where temperatures can exceed 43 ° C even in the shade during midday hours.
Timeline of heat deaths in the Grand Canyon
The first case occurred on June 12 and was a 72-year-old man who presented symptoms consistent with heat-related illness while hiking the South Kaibab Trail.
Four days later, on June 16, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were found dead on the North Kaibab Trail. Although the investigation remains open, authorities noted that both apparently also succumbed to the effects of the high temperatures.
The National Park Service indicated that, despite the rapid deployment of rescue teams and air support, the three people had already died when first responders arrived. The bodies were taken to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office.
These deaths are in addition to the case reported days earlier, on June 3, when an 18-year-old hiker died while on a day hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back along the Bright Angel Trail.
According to the official report, the young man began to present symptoms associated with the heat shortly after 1:40 pm, in an area located below Havasupai Gardens. Park rangers located the hiker about thirty feet off the main trail, in a remote area near Garden Creek.
The authorities deployed a rescue operation with helicopter support and carried out resuscitation maneuvers, but they were unable to save his life.
The National Park Service reiterated the call to avoid strenuous activities during peak temperatures, stay hydrated and check weather alerts before entering the park, especially during the summer, when the heat inside the canyon can reach dangerous levels.