Intense Heat Wave Claims Lives on US Hiking Trails
A recent surge in extreme heat has led to a series of tragic incidents on US hiking trails, including the death of a woman in Southern California. Diem Le Nguyen, 50, was found dead off the Black Mountain trail in San Diego after making a distress call for water, highlighting the dangers hikers face under current conditions.
Heat wave sweeps across the US
The US is experiencing a severe heat wave, with a “heat dome” causing temperatures to soar. Popular hiking areas have seen highs of 114°F (46°C), leading to multiple fatalities. In Colorado, Marsha Cook from Iowa collapsed and died on June 10 while hiking to the Colorado National Monument. In Sedona, Arizona, a 44-year-old woman from Pennsylvania died of heat exhaustion on June 14, followed by a man’s death on the Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Trail two days later.
Warnings and risks
Officials have not confirmed all deaths as heat-related, but the National Park Service advises against hiking in extreme heat. The recent discovery of a lost hiker, Lukas McClish, near Santa Cruz after surviving on wild berries and water for 10 days, underscores the perilous conditions.
Experienced hikers also at risk
Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyperthermia, and hyponatremia, can be fatal even for experienced hikers. In 2022, over 1,700 people in the US died from heat-related causes, according to the CDC.
Ms. Nguyen’s case illustrates this danger. She was part of a group hike but continued alone when temperatures reached 95°F. After calling her family for help, she was found a quarter-mile from safety. San Diego police officer Dan Meyer emphasized the unpredictability of hiking in extreme heat: “Even if you take all the precautions, there’s still a chance of encountering dangerous situations.”
Common rescues
Isaac Sanchez from CalFire noted that heat-related rescues are frequent in the San Diego area. A common mistake is not carrying enough water. Sanchez advises hikers to carry gallons of water, despite the weight, and to be overly prepared. He stressed the importance of calling for rescue without hesitation to avoid worsening the situation.
As the heat wave continues, hikers are urged to exercise extreme caution and prioritize safety to prevent further tragedies.