Tragic news out of Grand Canyon National Park where a 67-year-old man from Alvarado, Texas, died along the South Kaibab Trail below Cedar Ridge on July 8th.
The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of an unresponsive hiker at approximately 11:50am on July 8th, sending National Park Service medical personnel and volunteers to respond on foot. Bystanders had immediately initiated CPR but all attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful.
The 67-year-old was attempting to reach the Colorado River for an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch . He had turned around at Skeleton Point and was returning back up trail when the incident occurred. An investigation is currently being conducted by the NPS and the Coconino County Medical Examiner.
Hiking in the inner canyon during the hottest hours of the day is strongly discouraged during the summer as parts of the trail can exceed 120°F in the shade. Pre-existing medical conditions can compound physical stress, making for particularly risky summer hiking, especially during peak heat hours between 10am and 4pm.
Take extreme caution while planning for hikes during the summer months and check the park’s Key Hiking Messages webpage for up-to-date trail and weather conditions.
Our condolences are with the friends and family of the deceased at this time.