Hikers were on trails in the Inner Canyon, and officials said temperatures in the shade could reach 109 degrees by noon.
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Three climbers have died of suspected heat-related illnesses in Grand Canyon National Park, which was hit by extremely high temperatures, authorities said.
Grand Canyon National Park rangers and emergency personnel responded to incidents on June 12 and June 16 that left three people dead, according to a June 19 National Park Service news release. Hikers were on trails in the Inner Canyon, and officials said temperatures in the shade could reach 109 degrees by noon.
“Hiking in the Grand Canyon can be challenging for anyone, especially during the hot summer months,” a Park Service news release said. Park officials are warning visitors to avoid the Inner Canyon during peak daytime hours due to extreme temperatures.
On June 12, a 72-year-old man died of heatstroke along the South Kaibab Trail. The trail offers expansive views, but there is little shade and no water sources other than a water station at the trailhead during the summer, according to the Park Service website.
Four days later, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman also died, apparently from heatstroke, but the investigation is continuing, the Park Service said. The two were on the North Kaibab Trail. This trail is said to be the least visited and most difficult of the Grand Canyon’s major inner canyon trails.
When authorities arrived, all three were found dead.
The park service did not respond to requests for comment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion occur when the body is unable to cool itself. Older adults, young children, people with chronic illnesses, or people taking certain medications may be at higher risk of heat stroke and death.
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related death in the United States, and climate change is contributing to increased risk.
Eduardo Cuevas is based in New York City. Contact him via email: emcuevas1@usatoday.com Or with Signal on emcuevas.01.
