Three people have died from what appears to be heat-related illness while hiking at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, federal officials announced Friday — two separate incidents occurring within the same week as temperatures in the inner canyon soared to dangerous levels.
The first death happened on June 12, when a 72-year-old man became ill from the heat while hiking the South Kaibab Trail. Rescue crews were unable to reach him in time, and he died before help arrived. Then, just four days later, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were hiking the North Kaibab Trail when both appeared to suffer from heat-related illness. They, too, died before first responders could get to them, according to the U.S. National Park Service.
The park service noted that despite a quick response that included aerial support, all three hikers had already passed away by the time rescue teams reached them.
Temperatures in the inner canyon can climb above 109 degrees Fahrenheit — or 43 degrees Celsius — in shaded areas during midday hours, making conditions extremely dangerous for hikers. Officials say the park has experienced a recent increase in heat-related emergencies and are strongly advising anyone hiking in the inner canyon to stay off trails between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The remains of all three hikers were transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s office. The National Park Service says investigations into each of the deaths are continuing.
