GRAND CANYON, AZ – A hiker’s tragic death on a trail in Grand Canyon National Park this past weekend has highlighted the perils of hiking in extreme heat. Scott Sims, 69, from Austin, Texas, was attempting to reach Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab Trail for an overnight stay when he was discovered semi-conscious around 7 p.m. on Saturday, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
Sims became unresponsive shortly after being found, despite bystanders’ efforts to perform CPR. Three NPS paramedics arrived on the scene, but all attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. He collapsed on the River Trail, situated between the Silver Bridge and Black Bridge near Phantom Ranch, where temperatures can soar to 120 degrees in the shade, NPS officials noted.
Park rangers have strongly advised against hiking in the inner canyon during the peak heat hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. due to the extreme temperatures. The agency also mentioned that rescue efforts might be delayed during the summer months because of limited staff, increased rescue calls, safety protocols, and restricted helicopter usage in extreme heat or adverse weather conditions.
The Coconino Medical Examiner and the NPS are currently investigating Sims’ death, with no immediate cause of death provided. This incident follows the recent death of a Salt Lake City fire captain in a rafting accident at Dinosaur National Monument in Colorado.
A review by the NPS of deaths in national parks from 2014 to 2019 revealed that hiking was the second deadliest recreational activity, following driving. Drowning was identified as the second leading cause of unintentional deaths, after motor vehicle accidents.