A Virginia hiker fainted and died Saturday as he attempted to walk more than 20 miles in one day in the Grand Canyon, officials said.
Ranjith Varma, 55, died shortly after first responders received a call around 2pm of a hiker in distress on the North Kaibab Trail as he attempted to travel from the South Rim to the North Rim inside the Arizona section of the sprawling national park.
Varma, of Manassas, became unresponsive about a mile south of Cottonwood Campground after an emergency call was made, and bystanders began administering CPR, the National Park Service said in a news release.
Ranjith Varma was reached by rescuers, but he was already unresponsive about a mile south of Cottonwood Campground after the emergency call.AP
Rescuers arrived at Varma by helicopter, with special maneuvers required to allow rangers to provide life support efforts in advance, the agency said.
“Attempts to revive the pedestrian were unsuccessful,” the NPS said.
He died closer to the North Rim, where he hoped to finish his climb.
The Rim-to-Rim Hike is a tough hike of 24 miles one way.
Start your day with everything you need to know
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.
“No question about it, the Rim-to-Rim hike in Grand Canyon National Park is a classic bucket list adventure,” advises the National Park Foundation. “But it’s no walk in the park, that’s for sure.”
Varma’s cause of death has not been released, but the park service warns that temperatures in the summer months on exposed sections of the trail can reach 120 degrees in the shade.
The temperature at Grand Canyon National Park Airport — a 25-minute drive from the South Rim — didn’t reach 90 degrees Saturday.
“Park rangers advise against hiking in the canyon during the heat of the day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” the NPS said.
“Be aware that efforts to assist pedestrians may be delayed during the summer months due to limited staffing, the number of rescue calls, worker safety requirements, and limited helicopter flight capabilities during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather.”
A death investigation is underway with the assistance of the Coconino County Medical Examiner.
Other deaths at the Grand Canyon this summer include a 33-year-old tourist who fell 4,000 feet to his death in June and a 57-year-old woman who died during a 100-degree heat wave in early July.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
