A backpacker hiking amid triple-digit temperatures at Grand Canyon National Park died of a heat-related illness on Sunday, officials said.
Fifty-three year old Michelle Meader from Hudson, Ohio, was hiking the park’s Hermit Trail on Saturday and became disoriented and later fell unconscious. Park rangers received a call reporting her illness at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday and reported her to be deceased after arriving on the scene, according to a park press release.
She was in the middle of a multi-day trip en route to the Bright Angel Trail.
The high temperature on Sunday at Phantom Ranch, which is located at the bottom of the canyon, was 115 degrees.
In the light of the tragedy, officials reminded visitors to the Grand Canyon to be prepared for excessively hot days in the coming weeks. They do not advise hiking in the inner canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is where most heat-related illnesses occur.
"Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, and death," park officials said. "Be aware that efforts to assist hikers may be delayed during the summer 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 Grand Canyon does not close trails due to inclement or hot weather.
An investigation into Meader’s death is currently ongoing by the National Park Service in conjunction with the Coconino County Medical Examiner.
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