A teenager has died after experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness while hiking in the Grand Canyon, according to the National Park Service.
The 18-year-old was hiking on the Bright Angel Trail when he began showing signs of heat-related illness, prompting rangers to launch a helicopter rescue operation on Wednesday. The teen had intended to complete a round-trip day hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River, a route that the park service warns against due to the long distance and extreme temperature changes.
Heat-Related Illness
Heat-related illnesses can occur when a person is exposed to extreme heat, and the most serious form, heat stroke, is a medical emergency that can cause disability or death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that symptoms of heat stroke can include confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, profuse sweating, and seizures.
The park service recommends against hiking all the way to the bottom of the canyon and back in a single day, citing the long distance, extreme temperature changes, and elevation change of approximately 5,000 feet each way. The Bright Angel Trail is the park service’s most popular hiking trail into the canyon, but destinations below Havasupai Gardens are not recommended for day hikes.
Investigation and Precautions
An investigation into the teen’s death is underway at the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the park service is reminding hikers to take necessary precautions when hiking in the Grand Canyon. The park service advises hikers to check with a park ranger before attempting to hike to Havasupai Gardens and back in a day, as that trek alone is 9 miles and takes between six and nine hours.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and aware of the risks when hiking in extreme heat, and the need for hikers to take necessary precautions to stay safe. The Grand Canyon is a popular destination for hikers and tourists, and the park service is working to ensure that visitors are aware of the potential dangers and take necessary steps to stay safe.
