'Excessively hot days': tourist dies in Grand Canyon due to high air temperature

The death of a California woman who was walking along a trail in Grand Canyon National Park was heat-related, with temperatures rising to 114 degrees Fahrenheit (45,5 Celsius). Writes about this Fox News.

Photo: Shutterstock

The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) said in a press release that 49-year-old Katherine Howe of Daily City, California, entered the canyon late Wednesday evening, June 24, to spend the night on the Ghost Ranch.

Park authorities received a call at about 17:36 p.m. from someone reporting the death of a woman on the South Kaibab Trail, about half a mile (0,8 km) from the holiday home.

According to her husband and friend, Howe walked four miles (6,4 km) along the South Kaibab Trail, when she felt dizzy, lost consciousness, and then stopped breathing.

A search operation was launched, NPS officers sent a helicopter, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Park officials said the temperature reached 114 degrees Fahrenheit (45,5 Celsius) that day.

“The cause of death is believed to be heat-related,” the NPS said in a news release.

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Officials said the investigation into the incident was being carried out by the National Park Service in coordination with the Kokonino County Medical Examination Department.

Representatives of the National Park strongly recommend that Grand Canyon visitors be prepared for “overly hot days” in the coming weeks, especially those heading into the inner canyon.

In summer, the temperature in open areas of the trail can reach more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) in the shade.

“Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia and death,” officials said.

NPS also issued another warning about the “impossible” conditions in the canyon, posting a photograph of worn boots that separated the sole due to the heat.

“The heat inside the canyon can cause shoes to fall apart, and heavy hiking boots can trap sweat and cause painful blisters,” park rangers said. “Before you go hiking, know the limitations of your body and your equipment.”

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