A 74-year-old man described as an "avid and experienced hiker" collapsed and died roughly a half-mile from completing a rim-to-rim hike at Grand Canyon National Park.
Dennis Smith, 74, of Olympia, Washington, was unresponsive when he was found on the North Kaibab Trail about a half-mile from the trailhead. Despite efforts by bystanders and National Park Service personnel, Dennis Smith was pronounced dead at the scene on May 15 shortly before 5 p.m., a park release said.
The man's cause of death was under investigation. Smith had set out from the South Rim on his hike, according to the release.
Park Service staff urge all visitors to Grand Canyon National Park, particularly those planning to hike or backpack in the inner canyon, to prepare for extreme heat in the coming days. Temperatures in the inner canyon are expected to reach 100°F (38°C) by the end of this week, making it critical for hikers to take proper precautions.
In light of the forecasted heat, park rangers strongly advise against hiking in the inner canyon during the hottest part of the day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Hikers and backpackers attempting rigorous distances, such as rim to rim, through the inner canyon are encouraged to be self-reliant to prevent emergency situations for themselves and responders. Be aware that efforts to assist hikers may be delayed due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, and employee safety requirements.
Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places
