Texas man dies after collapsing during Grand Canyon hike

A man who was discovered semi-conscious after collapsing on a mountaineering path within the Grand Canyon over the weekend has died, officers mentioned. 

The hiker, identified by the National Park Service as 69-year-old Scott Sims of Austin, Texas, was strolling alongside the canyon’s River Trail and trying to succeed in Phantom Ranch, the place he had an in a single day keep booked. The path follows the Colorado River and runs for slightly below two miles, in response to the park service. 

Sims was reported as being semi-conscious on the path on Saturday at round 7 p.m. native time, the park service mentioned, after which turned unresponsive. Bystanders started CPR and park service paramedics responded, however all makes an attempt to resuscitate Sims had been unsuccessful. The National Park Service introduced his demise on Monday. 

The park service didn’t say what brought about Sims’ demise, however warned that top temperatures alongside the paths can pose a hazard to hikers. In the summer time, uncovered elements of the path can change into hotter than 120 levels, the company mentioned, and mountaineering the internal canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. will not be suggested. 

Help may additionally be delayed in the summertime months due to “limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather,” the National Park Service mentioned. 

Sims’ demise is the second within the space this summer time. CBS News affiliate KLAS reported {that a} 41-year-old died on the Grand Canyon’s in style Bright Angel Trail on June 16. 

About 12 individuals die annually at Grand Canyon National Park, KLAS reported. 

Extreme warmth could cause sicknesses together with warmth stroke and warmth exhaustion. Heat stroke could cause confusion or lack of consciousness, whereas warmth exhaustion could cause nausea, thirst and heavy sweating, CBS News previously reported. Anyone experiencing these sicknesses ought to name 911 instantly and transfer to a cooler space, drink liquids and in any other case try to decrease their physique temperature.

To avoid heat-related illnesses, the National Weather Service recommends limiting outside or intense exercise during durations of excessive warmth, and staying in a cool place.