A man hiking in the Grand Canyon has died after being found unresponsive over the weekend, marking the third death in the national park within the last three weeks.
A 50-year-old unresponsive male hiker was found on the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon about 100 feet from the trail head on Sunday, according to the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center.
Bystanders began CPR while emergency personnel responded to the scene, but efforts to resuscitate the hiker were unsuccessful.
Hiking trail in Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona.
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The hiker was a San Angelo, Texas, native and had been attempting to reach the rim from an overnight stay at Havasupai Gardens. He has not been identified by authorities.
The National Park Service is conducting an investigation into the incident.
Two other hikers have died in the Grand Canyon in recent weeks.
A 41-year-old man was found unresponsive on the Bright Angel Trail on June 16 and attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. The hiker was also hiking from an overnight stay.
In this undated stock photo, the Grand Canyon is seen in Arizona.
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A semi-responsive 69-year-old hiker was found on the River Trail in the Grand Canyon on July 1, and later became unresponsive. Attempts from bystanders and National Park Service personnel to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
The hiker was identified as Scott Sims of Austin, Texas, and he had been attempting to reach Phantom Ranch.
Last week, the NPS said temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can reach over 120 degrees in the shade. The NPS does not advise hiking in the inner canyon during the heat of the day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The NPS also said efforts to assist hikers may be delayed during the summer months because of limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements and limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather.
The Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the United States, has been in the news recently for a tragic reason. In the span of just three weeks, three hikers have lost their lives while exploring the vast and rugged terrain of the canyon. The most recent fatality was reported just days ago, adding to the growing concern for visitor safety in this popular national park.
The latest victim was a 34-year-old man from California who was hiking alone on a remote trail when he fell to his death. Park rangers were alerted to his disappearance when he failed to return to his campsite at the designated time. A search and rescue operation was launched, but unfortunately, his body was discovered at the bottom of a steep cliff.
This incident marks the third hiker fatality in the Grand Canyon within a short period of time, prompting officials to issue warnings about the dangers of hiking in the park. The rugged terrain, extreme temperatures, and lack of cell phone service make the Grand Canyon a challenging environment for even experienced hikers.
In response to these tragic events, park officials are urging visitors to take necessary precautions when exploring the canyon. This includes staying on designated trails, carrying plenty of water, and informing someone of your hiking plans before setting out. Additionally, hikers are advised to be aware of their physical limitations and not to take unnecessary risks while in the park.
The Grand Canyon is a breathtakingly beautiful place, but it can also be unforgiving to those who underestimate its challenges. As visitors continue to flock to this natural wonder, it is crucial that they prioritize safety above all else. By heeding the warnings and guidelines set forth by park officials, hikers can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world.
