Grand Canyon National Park officials on Monday emphasized the danger extreme heat poses after a Texas man collapsed and died on a trail over the weekend.
The hiker, Scott Sims, 69, of Austin, was trying to get to Phantom Ranch for the night when he was found semi-conscious around 7 p.m. Saturday, the National Park Service said.
He then became unresponsive and a bystander began CPR, the park service said. Paramedics also responded but were unable to revive him.
Sims was found on the River Trail. He was trying to get to Phantom Ranch using the South Kaibab Trail, the park service said. That trail can reach 120 degrees in the shade in the summer, he said.
“Rangers strongly advise against hiking in the inner canyon during the heat of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” he said.
Sims’ death is being investigated by park staff and the Coconino County medical examiner, the park service said. The cause of death was not listed in a statement.
A fatherRk service rdeath review in national parks from 2014 to 2019 found that hiking was the second deadliest recreational activity, behind only driving.
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