Following the weekend death of a Texas man who fainted and died on a trail, Grand Canyon National Park officials emphasized on Monday the threat that excessive heat poses.
Around 7 p.m., the hiker, Scott Sims, 69, of Austin, was discovered in a semiconscious state while attempting to get to Phantom Ranch for an overnight stay. The National Park Service announced on Saturday.
After that, he stopped responding, and according to the park staff, a passerby started CPR. Additionally, paramedics arrived, but they were unable to revive him.
Sims was discovered along the River Path. According to the park authorities, he attempted to use the South Kaibab Trail to reach Phantom Ranch. In the summer, it may get as hot as 120 degrees on the trail in the shade.
“Park rangers highly advise against hiking in the inner canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the hottest part of the day” it stated.
The park service stated that the medical examiner for Coconino County and park employees are looking into Sims’ death. A statement did not provide a cause of death.
Hiking was found to be the second-deadliest leisure activity in national parks, after driving, according to a park service analysis of deaths in national parks from 2014 to 2019.