GRAND CANYON VILLAGE, Ariz. — A hiker at the Grand Canyon died on Saturday, National Park Services officials said.
On June 29 around 7 p.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of a semi-conscious hiker on the River Trail, approximately halfway between the Silver Bridge and the Black Bridge near Phantom Ranch.
The hiker became unresponsive and bystanders initiated CPR while three NPS paramedics responded from Phantom Ranch. The resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful and the hiker, later identified as 69-year-old Scott Sims from Austin, Texas, died.
It was identified that Sims was attempting to reach Phantom Ranch for an overnight stay via the South Kaibab Trail.
In the summer, temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can reach over 120 degrees even in the shade. Park rangers strongly advise not hiking in the inner canyon during the heat of the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Rangers also advise hikers to 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.
An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the NPS in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner. The NPS did not release any further information regarding the incident.
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