Tragedy has once again hit Grand Canyon National Park as another hiker from Texas died while attempting to navigate its trails.
National Park Service (NPS) officials confirmed in a press release on Monday that a 50-year-old man from San Angelo, Texas, collapsed and died on Sunday while attempting to complete the journey back to the south rim after an overnight stay at the Havasupai Gardens area.
The Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received reports around 2 p.m. on Sunday of an unresponsive hiker on the Bright Angel Trail, located only about 100 feet below the trailhead.
Despite immediate efforts by bystanders and a swift response from Xanterra Fire and Security, alongside National Park Service (NPS) medical personnel, attempts to revive the hiker were unsuccessful, according to NPS.
This unfortunate incident marks the second fatality of a Texas hiker within a span of just two weeks at the popular national park.
On June 29, Scott Simms, age 69, from Austin, Texas, was found semiconscious on the South Kaibab Trail en route to the Phantom Ranch area. He later became unresponsive, and efforts by bystanders and NPS paramedics to resuscitate the man were unsuccessful.
The extreme heat within the canyon during the summer season has been a consistent risk factor for visitors. Temperatures along exposed sections of the trails reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, posing severe challenges even for seasoned hikers.
Both incidents are currently under investigation by the NPS in collaboration with the Coconino County Medical Examiner, with thorough reviews aimed at understanding the specific circumstances leading to these recent tragic deaths, per the NPS.
A recent review by the NPS covering fatal incidents in National Parks from 2014 to 2019 revealed hiking as the second deadliest recreational activity after driving, with extreme weather and physical exertion listed as the main contributing factors.
During that six-year span, 177 out of more than 420 national parks documented at least one fatality. An average of 358 deaths per year were reported — about 7 per week.
However, in 2019, the mortality rate within the NPS was 0.11 deaths per 100,000 recreational visits, significantly lower than the broader U.S. population’s rate of 715 deaths per 100,000 people.
In response to the recent deaths, park authorities urge hikers to plan their trips cautiously, carry an ample water supply, and remain hyper-aware of signs of heat exhaustion.
On Tuesday, the Grand Canyon National Park website posted an excessive heat warning, urging visitors not to hike into the canyon and to limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.