This news from a release from Big Bend National Park in Texas. Monday, October 28, after an aerial and ground search by National Park Service rangers and U.S. Border Patrol supported by helicopters from the Texas Department of Public Safety and U.S. Customs Air and Marine Operations, searchers located the body of a 24-year-old hiker along the Marufo Vega Trail. The hiker lost his life in unseasonably high temperatures.
Hiker lost his life on rugged Marufo Vega trail
The day before, park rangers noted a vehicle that had been parked for several days at the Trailhead for Marufo Vega/Strawhouse/Ore Terminal Trail. Records showed no overnight backpackers registered for that area during that time. A brief aerial search by the park pilot did not find any hikers in the vicinity.
On Monday morning, the park search and rescue team was deployed across three different trails, and air support was directed to the remote area. The victim was found along the rugged Marufo Vega Trail, and a Department of Public Safety helicopter was used to retrieve the body from the location.
The Marufo Vega Trail is a spectacular yet challenging 14-mile loop that winds through rugged desert and along rocky limestone cliffs. No shade or water makes this trail dangerous during the warmer times of the year.
“Big Bend National Park staff and partners are saddened by this loss,” stated Deputy Superintendent Rick Gupman. “Our entire park family extends condolences to the hiker’s family and friends.”
Despite being October, temperatures near triple digits
Even though it is late October, daily temperatures along the Rio Grande and desert areas of Big Bend remain extreme—close to 100 degrees each afternoon.
Park Rangers remind all visitors to be alert to the dangers of extreme heat. Hikers should carry plenty of water, salty snacks, and plan on being off desert trails during afternoon heat.
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So sad and so young! Our hearts go out to his family. Having three grown sons of our own I can’t even imagine what they are going through.
I’m a life member of Florida Trail Association starting in late July/early August state & local FB pages started getting a lot of hits from newby Floridians wanting to get out and start backpacking soonest No matter how many times multiples of us explained that Florida’s hiking season was winter for a reason-high heat, humidity and skeeters/no seeums from Hades- can be killers- our newbies pooh pooed our concerns citing their vast experience with hiking up North around this season. Obviously they haven’t spent a whole year here yet. O well, you can lead a camel to water but can’t make it drink unless you brick em.
I trust enough people know the joke I needn’t repeat it, but some people don’t learn until they put them & others into danger
Thank you, Russ and Tina! How tragic!