120° Temperatures In Area Where Joshua Tree Hiker Died

September 7, 2020

A 20-year-old man, hiking with a friend in temperatures estimated to have reached 120° Fahrenheit, died in Joshua Tree National Park in California.

The young man was reported to be unconscious and in need of immediate aid in the Turkey Flats area of the park Saturday evening. Searchers responding to the man's companion located the two near the base of Pinto Mountain at approximately 11:30 pm. Rangers administered CPR but were unable to revive the man. He was pronounced dead at 9 a.m. on Sunday the Riverside County Coroner. 

The hiker’s body was airlifted by Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Temperatures in the area were estimated to have reached approximately 120 degrees, the park release said.

Park officials advise visitors use caution when hiking, and always carry more water than they think they'll need. Hikers are encouraged to recreate early in the day and be vigilant in extreme heat conditions. 

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