Grand Canyon National Park rangers and emergency personnel responded to two separate heat-related incidents on June 12 and 16 that resulted in three deaths. In both cases, the hikers were on trails in the Inner Canyon, where temperatures can exceed 109 F in the shade during midday hours.
On June 12, a 72-year-old male succumbed to symptoms of heat-related illness along the South Kaibab Trail; on June 16, a 67-year-old male and a 68-year-old female also appear to have succumbed to symptoms of heat-related illness on the North Kaibab Trail, although the investigation is still ongoing.
Despite rapid response and aerial support, all three persons were found dead when responders arrived. All individuals were transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner office. No additional information is available yet.
Hiking in Grand Canyon can be a challenge for anyone, especially during the heat of summer. The recent increase in heat-related incidents comes as summer temperatures in the inner canyon have reached dangerous levels, creating conditions that can quickly overwhelm hikers.
Most of the incidents of people who need emergency medical help in the canyon due to heat illness occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when temperatures are 15 to 20 degrees hotter than posted shade temperatures. The farther hikers travel into the canyon, the hotter it gets.
In a June 18 press release citing “a recent influx of heat-related incidents,” the park urged hikers sensitive to heat—including “children under eight, adults over 65, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions”—to consider rescheduling their hikes for a less sweltering time of year.
For more information on visiting Grand Canyon during summer, visit the park website.
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