A man and his daughter died late last week after they ran out of water in Canyonlands National Park in Utah on a day when temperatures rose over 100 degrees, authorities said.
The bodies of Albino Herrera Espinoza, 52, and Beatriz Herrera, 23, both of Green Bay, Wisconsin, were found at about 6 p.m. Friday, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
The hikers became lost hiking the Syncline Loop Trail, and their bodies were taken off the mountain Saturday morning by helicopter, the sheriff’s office said.
The air temperature when the pair became lost was over 100 degrees, according to the National Park Service.
Park visitors are advised to carry and drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity during the daytime, according to the park service.
As of Monday, there have been 59 confirmed heat-related deaths throughout the country this year. Most have occurred in the Western states California, Arizona, Oregon and Nevada, with Arizona and Oregon reporting 16 deaths each. But there have also been deaths in Eastern states, such as Maryland, New York, Virginia and Pennsylvania.
There have also been 21 unconfirmed heat-related deaths in the country.
Last week, the West was hit by a historic heat wave, which generated seven consecutive days of temperatures of 115 degrees or higher in Las Vegas.
The sweltering heat has not been contained to just one half of the U.S. On Tuesday, the heat index in Central Park in New York City made it feel like 96 degrees. At Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, the figure was 103.
Good_Queen_Dudley on July 15th, 2024 at 20:08 UTC »
Checked this out on AllTrails and almost every comment is some variation of ran out of water, almost died, needed 5L, this trail is no joke and you need lots of water, etc. I’ve actually never read a hike where each comment is so clear about how much extra water and then some you need on it. That alone is a sign to wait to do it or be skilled in desert hiking before you do it
DeaderthanZed on July 15th, 2024 at 19:43 UTC »
This trail is an 8.1mi loop with 1,500 ft elevation change and even requires scrambling. It’s described as the most challenging trail in the district and the NPS says “most park rescues occur on this trail.”
Definitely not one to attempt in 100 degree weather. Sad.
tacticalcraptical on July 15th, 2024 at 19:34 UTC »
I hike a lot and I live in Utah.
I almost never hike in July and August unless. If I do, it's full moon hiking. It's just not worth the risk... besides that it's also not very enjoyable at 95+.