National Park Service / E. Foss Tapeats Creek as seen from the Thunder River Trail in Grand Canyon National Park
Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park — Authorities announced Tuesday that an Arizona lady died while trekking in Grand Canyon National Park. According to the New York Post, it was the fifth death in the park this year.
Delphine Martinez, 59, of Window Rock, was discovered dead on the Thunder River Trail about one mile from the confluence of Tapeats Creek and the Colorado River, according to park officials.
They reported that Martinez was on an extended backpacking trip.
On Sunday, while hiking down the Thunder River Trail in triple-digit temperatures, she apparently became disoriented and afterwards unconscious.
Members of the expedition attempted CPR without success.
The National Park Service is conducting an investigation into the fatality in conjunction with the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The National Park Service reports that Sunday’s high temperature at Phantom Ranch was 115 degrees.
According to the organization, park rangers advise tourists, “particularly inner canyon hikers and backpackers, to prepare for exceptionally hot days in the coming weeks. In the shade, summer temperatures on exposed portions of the path can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Park rangers strongly advise against hiking in the inner canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the hottest part of the day. Extreme heat poses significant health concerns, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, and death, for hikers.Triple-digit heat kills Grand Canyon backpacker