18-year-old hiker dies at Grand Canyon, 7 others rescued

[Iceaxe]

18-year-old hiker dies at Grand Canyon, 7 others rescued
Reported by: Deborah Stocks

GRAND CANYON, AZ -- Officials say an 18-year-old with a group of hikers that ran out of water at the Grand Canyon has died.

Grand Canyon National Park spokesperson Shannan Marcak said rangers got a call about 8:15 a.m. on Thursday from a National Park Service river trip that a group had waved them down from the cliffs above the Colorado River to report they were out of water and needed help.

National Park Service rangers then got a report that one of the hikers was dead.

A park paramedic, flown by helicopter to the scene, found seven hikers about half way down the Shinumo Wash Route.

Marcak said the body of an 18-year-old Native American male, was located approximately one mile up the wash from the rest of the party.

The immediate needs of the stranded hikers were provided for until they could be flown by NPS helicopter to Highway 89 where they were met and assisted by Navajo Nation emergency crews, according to Marcak.

The body of the dead hiker was retrieved and also transported by helicopter to the highway where it was turned over to the Coconino County Medical Examiner.

The name of the hiker is being held pending positive identification and notification of next of kin, according to Marcak.

There was no word on how the hiker died.

The NPS and Navajo Nation will be conducting a joint investigation into the incident.

http://www.abc15.com/content/news/no...XRsYRXe1A.cspx

[denaliguide]

let me guess, heat stroke and dehydration.

hiking into the depths of the canyon this time of year is not to be taken lightly. anytime between may and sept. the temps can be serious.

[Scott P]

A park paramedic, flown by helicopter to the scene, found seven hikers about half way down the Shinumo Wash Route.

We did that route in April 2008. Even then it was quite hot. Another nearby route (Eminence Break) was even hotter at the same time of year.

Visiting that area in August just doesn't sound fun. There is no water except the Colorado River (except for in technical sections of canyons).

If you must visit the Canyon in summer, routes with water (such as the Bright Angel or North Kaibab Trails) are much better bets.