A man who was found semi-conscious after collapsing on a hiking trail at the Grand Canyon over the weekend has died, authorities said.
The hiker, identified by the National Park Service as 69-year-old Scott Sims of Austin, Texas, was walking along the canyon’s River Trail, trying to reach Phantom Ranch, where he had booked an overnight stay. The trail follows the Colorado River and is just under two miles long, the park service said.
Sims was reported semiconscious on the trail around 7 p.m. local time Saturday, the park service said, and then lost consciousness. Bystanders began CPR and park service paramedics arrived on the scene, but all attempts to revive Sims were unsuccessful. The National Park Service announced his death Monday.
The park service did not say what caused Sims’ death, but warned that high temperatures along the trails could pose a hazard to hikers. In the summer, exposed parts of the trail can exceed 250 degrees, the agency said, and hiking in the inner canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is discouraged.
National Park Service
Even during the summer months, assistance may be delayed due to “limited personnel numbers, the volume of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and limited helicopter flight capacity during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather,” the National Park Service said.
Sims’ death is the second in the region this summer. CBS News affiliate KLAS reported that a 41-year-old died June 16 on the popular Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon.
According to KLAS, approximately 12 people die each year in Grand Canyon National Park.
Extreme heat can cause illnesses, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke can cause confusion or unconsciousness, while heat exhaustion can cause nausea, thirst, and heavy sweating, CBS News previously reportedAnyone experiencing these illnesses should call 911 immediately and move to a cooler location, drink fluids and otherwise try to lower body temperature.
Nasty avoid heat related illnessesThe National Weather Service advises against strenuous outdoor activities and to stay in a cool area during periods of extreme heat.
