71-Year-Old Man Dies in Death Valley National Park Amid Sweltering Heat:
Tuesday’s Death Valley trailhead death was a 71-year-old man. Extreme heat is under investigation. The man’s identity is unknown at Golden Canyon’s 121 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Park Service reported that the canyon’s walls reflected sunlight, raising temperatures. The sun-hatted man may have been hiking the Golden Canyon trail when tragedy struck.
Park visitors who witnessed the crisis called 911 at 3:40 p.m. Park rangers arrived fast. Intense weather prevented helicopter deployment. CPR and an AED saved him. They couldn’t save him. Authorities believe extreme heat killed the man.
The National Park Service advised summer visitors to safely explore Death Valley. Avoid extreme heat by taking short air-conditioned tours or hiking in the park’s cooler mountainous regions. The agency advised against hiking at low elevations after 10 a.m., when temperatures are highest. Heat was suspected in the July 3 death of a 65-year-old Death Valley man.
Death Valley had 28 110-degree days this year, according to the NWS. Heatstroke occurs above 104 degrees. Extreme heat is dangerous. Death Valley residents and visitors should stay cool and hydrated during the heatwave.
The 71-year-old man’s death is a stark reminder of nature’s power and the need for caution in extreme weather. Communities and visitors must promote responsible behavior to prevent deaths. Residents and tourists must follow park rules, check the weather, and prioritize safety to avoid such heartbreaking incidents.
