ARIZONA, USA — An Austin man died during a hiking trip to Grand Canyon National Park this past weekend.
The park said on Saturday, June 29, at approximately 7 p.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of a semi-conscious hiker on the River Trail, approximately halfway between the Silver Bridge and the Black Bridge, near Phantom Ranch.
The park said the hiker became unresponsive shortly after and bystanders performed CPR as three National Park Service paramedics responded from Phantom Ranch. All attempts to resuscitate the hiker – identified as 69-year-old Scott Sims of Austin – were unsuccessful.
The park said Sims was attempting to take the South Kaibab Trail to reach Phantom Ranch for an overnight stay.
An investigation into this incident is being conducted by the National Parks Service in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner. No additional information is available.
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A warning about heat at the Grand Canyon
Officials warn that in the summer, temperatures in exposed parts of the River Trail can reach more than 120 degrees. Park rangers strongly recommend not hiking in the inner canyon during the heat of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Officials also warned that efforts to assist hikers could be delayed during the summer due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements and limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather.