3 hikers die of suspected heat-related illness during rising temperatures at Grand Canyon

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — Three hikers died of apparent heat-related illnesses on two separate days last week in the Grand Canyon’s interior canyon, where temperatures at noon can exceed 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) in the shade, federal officials said Friday.

A 72-year-old man became heat ill while hiking the South Kaibab Trail on June 12 and died before rescuers could reach him. Four days later, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman also suffered heat-related illnesses while hiking the North Kaibab Trail and died before help arrived, the U.S. National Park Service said in a statement.

Despite the quick response and air support, all three hikers were dead by the time first responders reached them, the park service said.

Park officials said the Grand Canyon has seen an increase in heat-related illnesses in recent weeks and are urging canyon hikers to stay off the trails between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The bodies were taken to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office and investigations into the deaths are ongoing, the National Park Service said.