Federal officials said Friday that three hikers died from apparent heat-related illnesses in the Grand Canyon over two separate days this past week. The deaths occurred in the inner canyon, where midday shade temperatures can top 109 degrees Fahrenheit.
On June 12, a 72-year-old man fell ill from the heat while hiking the South Kaibab Trail and died before rescue crews could reach him.
Four days later, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman appeared to suffer similar heat-related illnesses while hiking the North Kaibab Trail and died before help arrived, the US National Park Service said in a statement.
First responders mounted a rapid response with aerial support, but all three hikers were already dead by the time crews reached them, the park service said.
The Grand Canyon has seen a recent uptick in heat-related illnesses, prompting park officials to urge inner canyon hikers to stay off trails between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Officials transported the bodies to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s office, and investigations into the deaths remain ongoing, the National Park Service said.
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