Hiker dead, 4 others rescued from Arizona mountains due to 'heat issues,' officials say
A 33-year-old man died and four others were rescued while hiking in an Arizona mountain range, officials said.
First responders arrived at Superstition Mountains around 1 p.m. local time on May 11 after receiving a call about five hikers needing rescue, the Superstition Fire & Medical District said in a social media post.
Alongside the Pinal County Sheriff's Office and Mesa Fire Department, SFMD said crews responded to what it calls a "1st alarm Mountain rescue." SFMD said the hikers needed emergency aid "reportedly due to heat issues."
The 33-year-old man experienced a medical emergency and died before deputies arrived, Sam Salzwedel, Pinal County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer, said in a statement. Sophie Boukatch, the Superstition Fire & Medical District's Public Information Officer, said CPR was administered before first responders arrived.
SFMD said four others were also rescued but "refused transport to the hospital."
Man died after being on trail for 6 hours, officials say
The group was traversing the Wave Cave Trail when the 33-year-old experienced a medical emergency, Salzwedel said.
The hikers told first responders that they had been on the trail for six hours, Sophie Boukatch, the Superstition Fire & Medical District's Public Information Officer, told Paste BN.
No foul play is suspected in the man's death and the Pinal County Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death, Salzwedel said. Boukatch said it is "believed it is heat related."
"The hikers stated they only brought about 40oz of water each," Boukatch said.
The Wave Cave Trail at Superstition Mountains is near Gold Canyon, Arizona, which is about 40 miles east of Phoenix. The trail is about three miles long and reaches an elevation of 820 feet, according to AllTrails.
'No hike is worth your life': Officials warn about heat
SFMD cautioned hikers about heat-related illnesses after one person died on May 11.
"As temperatures climb, so does the risk," SFMD said on social media. "Heat illness can set in fast, even for experienced hikers."
The department said heat exhaustion or heat stroke can set in after less than an hour in Arizona's sun, where temperatures can reach 110℉ in the summertime. It also said most heat deaths happen on trails between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
"Please stay safe and plan wisely. No hike is worth your life," SFMD said.
SFMD recommends the following measures for hikers to stay safe in hot weather:
- Avoid hiking in extreme heat, especially during excessive heat warnings.
- Always carry more water than you think you’ll need, minimum 1 liter per hour of hiking.
- Never hike alone, and always tell someone your route.
- If you feel dizzy, nauseous, stop sweating or become confused, get help immediately.
This story has been updated with additional information.
Melina Khan is a trending reporter covering national news for Paste BN. She can be reached at MKhan@gannett.com.