Hiker dies on South Kaibab Trail at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. (ABC4) — Grand Canyon National Park reported the death of a hiker on the South Kaibab Trail, below Cedar Ridge.

At around 11 a.m. on July 8, bystanders reported an unresponsive hiker on the trail to park officials. Bystanders began CPR on the hiker while medical personnel responded on foot, but all attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful.

In a news release, the National Park Service (NPS) identified the hiker as a 67-year-old man from Alvarado, Texas. They did not release his name.

Reportedly, he was attempting to reach the Colorado River so he could stay overnight at Phantom Ranch. He turned around at Skeleton Point and was heading back up the trail when he collapsed.

NPS and the Coconino County Medical Examiner are investigating the incident.

Park Rangers are encouraging the public to take extreme caution when planning hikes during the summer months. Even in the shade, during the summer temperatures can exceed 120 degrees F (49 degrees C), which means that conditions are extremely hazardous this time of year.

The heat combines with pre-existing conditions to make hiking in the Summer even more dangerous for those with medical conditions.

Park rangers “strongly advise” against hiking in the inner canyon in peak heat hours of the day: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., according to the news release. They also reminded the public to check the park’s Key Hiking Messages page to get up-to-date information about current trail and weather conditions.