Hiker fatality in Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, Ariz – Another man has died Friday on the North Kaibab Trail within Grand Canyon National Park.

At 2:20 p.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a 911 call from a Grand Canyon visitor, reporting CPR was in progress on a hiker on the North Kaibab Trail, Kirby-Lynn Shedlowski, spokesperson for the Grand Canyon National Park, said in a press statement.

The man was located approximately half a mile down the trail from the North Kaibab Trailhead. National Park Service personnel responded to the scene and continued CPR.

“All attempts to resuscitate the victim were unsuccessful,” Shedlowski said in the statement.

An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the National Park Service in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner. No additional information is available at this time.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by the authorities and may not contain the full scope of findings.

Know the signs of heat stroke 

As temperatures hold steady above 100 degrees in the southwest, heat stroke is a very real possibility for hikers.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can kill or cause damage to the brain and other internal organs, said a report iWebMD.

Many will find their body progresses from dehydration to heat exhaustion, and eventually to heat stroke. According to the report, symptoms include:

  • Throbbing headache
  • Dizziness and light-headedness
  • Lack of sweating despite the heat
  • Red, hot, and dry skin
  • Muscle weakness or cramps
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
  • Seizures
  • Unconsciousness

If you suspect someone is experiences the symptoms of heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately. If possible, cool the individual with ice packs or water, and administer first aid. 

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2 Comments

  • St. George Resident July 14, 2014 at 10:50 am

    Do we know that this hiker died of heat stroke?

    • Avatar photo Joyce Kuzmanic July 14, 2014 at 11:03 am

      We do not, St. George Resident; it remains under investigation. Hiker fatalities due to heat-related causes are a concern and thus the watchwords included.
      ST. GEORGE NEWS | STGnews.com
      Joyce Kuzmanic
      Editor in Chief

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