A hiker who died at Channel Islands National Park from a presumed case of heat stroke sadly demonstrates not only the need to be prepared when you head out into a park, but also the wisdom of heeding advice from rangers.
Thomas Pruner, 49, of Lake Forest, California, died last Friday after a 14-mile hike in 90+-degree weather from Prisoners Harbor to the Scorpion Campground on Santa Cruz Island, according to a park release. Mr. Pruner and three friends set out about 11 a.m. on a day with little wind and when temperatures reached a record 94 degrees. Their route took them across terrain that offered little shade, according to the release.
According to information his friends provided rangers, Mr. Pruner "exhibited signs of fatigue early in the hike and experienced increasing difficulty throughout the day. He was assisted the last couple of miles to their destination in Scorpion Valley campground, arriving at about 5:00 p.m. Upon arrival he began seizing and shortly thereafter became unconscious and unresponsive."
Care was immediately provided to the man by an off-duty U.S. Navy fire captain from San Diego, a kayak guide with Santa Barbara Adventure Company, and National Park Service staff, the park noted. They worked to resuscitate Mr. Pruner for about an hour, using both CPR and an automated external defibrillator. When paramedics from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department arrived they continued resuscitation efforts for about another half-hour. Mr. Pruner was declared dead at 7:27 p.m. and transported to the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office, the park noted.
Before the four hikers left Prisoners Harbor they had received a "general safety orientation that included information about staying hydrated while hiking on the island," the park released noted. "They were advised to carry more water given the extended length of their hike and the hot conditions. They were each carrying approximately two liters of water at the start of their hike."
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
I remember at my last visit (mid-summer) to Yosemite we stopped a while to see a spotter scope set up (as part of the "Ask a Climber" program) to check on the progress of rock climbers going up El Capitan. There were only maybe 2-3 groups attempting to go up, while the guy manning the event noted that in the spring or fall it might be a dozen or more. He noted that they have to carry their own water since there aren't exactly any water sources along the route. These climbers are acutely aware of the requirements for water and I suppose a lot stay away from that kind of climbing in the summer months because of the need to carry that kind of weight.
Climbers, and in particular big wall climbers, are much more seasoned outdoor person than your average hiker.
Tuan.
National Parks images
I think we need to hold off judgment until there is more medical evidence. As stated Tommy was feeling distressed early into the hike and at that point water was less a factor.
A friend and will miss Thomas, God Bless