A 67-year-old hiker from Alvarado, Texas, died this past Tuesday while descending the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon, according to reports by the National Park Service (NPS). The incident occurred below Cedar Ridge, where bystanders began CPR after they found the man unresponsive just before noon on July 8. While medical personnel and volunteers quickly responded, their efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene, as detailed in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
The deceased, whose name has not been released, had been trying to reach the Colorado River for an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch. According to reports, the man had decided to turnaround at a point known as Skeleton Point, and was in the process of making his back up the trail when the incident occurred. As recorded by ABC 15, the details of the incident remain unclear, but the investigation is being carried out by National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner.
Temperatures along the South Kaibab Trail, renowned for its challenging steep grades and lack of shelters, can soar above 120 degrees in the summer -- even in the shade. The National Park Service warns against hiking in the inner canyon during extreme heat, specifically between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hiking during these times, park rangers say, exposes individuals to potentially hazardous conditions, a caution noted by both FOX 10 Phoenix and ABC 15.
For those planning to hike the Grand Canyon's trails, the National Park Service advises checking current trail and weather conditions prior to departure. Preventive measures and preparedness are essential for safety, especially during the summer when temperatures reach dangerously high levels and the risk of heat-related illness increases.
