2 Hikers Die In Arizona As Heat Wave Scorches Western U.S.

ARIZONA — Two hikers died in Arizona amid sweltering temperatures over the holiday weekend, according to authorities.

The first fatality occurred about 7:30 p.m. Sunday along Thunder River Trail at Grand Canyon National Park, where first responders found 59-year-old Delphine Martinez of Window Rock, according to the National Park Service. Martinez was on a multi-day backpacking trip when she became disoriented and unconscious, the service reported.

High temperatures Sunday in the inner canyon were well over 100 degrees, according to the service.

“In the summer, temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can reach over 120°F (49 °C) in the shade,” the service said, urging visitors not to hike the inner canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. “Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, and death.”

A similar situation played out Monday, when the Scottsdale Fire Department responded to six hikers suffering from heat-related emergencies, one of whom wasn’t breathing. The group was helicoptered to safety after running out of water and getting lost, the department said.

Dr. Evan Dishion, 32, died of heat stroke and exhaustion at a hospital following the incident, according to KTVK/KPHO. The rescue occurred as temperatures hovered around 110 degrees at Spur Cross Trailhead near Cave Creek, according to the network, which reported the hikers’ phones had died and they had to borrow one to call 911.

The western U.S. is in the midst of a significant heat wave, which was forecast to continue into the middle of the week, according to AccuWeather.