18-Year-Old Hiker Dies on Grand Canyon Trail in 106-Degree Heat
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 8
18-Year-Old Hiker Dies on Grand Canyon Trail in 106-Degree Heat
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 8
Summary
An 18-year-old man died after suffering heat-related symptoms while ascending the Bright Angel Trail with his father, despite ranger response and a helicopter rescue attempt.
Park officials said the pair had covered about 15 miles and the hiker was exerting himself during the hottest part of the day; Phantom Ranch reached 106 degrees.
Rangers found him about 30 feet below the trail near Garden Creek after his father asked other hikers for satellite phones to call for help.
The National Park Service warns that destinations below Havasupai Gardens are not recommended as day hikes because of extreme heat, long distances and roughly 5,000 feet of elevation change.
Grand Canyon officials advise avoiding hikes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 11 people died in the park last year.