Three hikers died at Grand Canyon in separate incidents

Three hikers aged between 67 and 72 have died from heat-related illness at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona following two separate incidents on inner canyon trails in June, prompting park officials to issue an extreme heat advisory and urge visitors to avoid the area during the hottest hours of the day.

The deaths occurred on the South Kaibab Trail on 12 June and on the North Kaibab Trail on 16 June, with temperatures in the Inner Canyon known to exceed 109 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade at midday. Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) has since warned that summer conditions "can quickly overwhelm hikers during the hottest parts of the day."

First death: South Kaibab Trail

A 72-year-old man died on 12 June after displaying symptoms of heat-related illness on the South Kaibab Trail, GCNP confirmed in a press release dated 19 June. Responders reached the scene with aerial support but found him deceased on arrival. His identity has not been disclosed by park officials.

Second incident: two hikers die on North Kaibab Trail

Four days later, on 16 June, a man aged 67 and a woman aged 68 were found dead on the North Kaibab Trail, also appearing to have succumbed to heat-related illness. GCNP said that in both incidents, the hikers "were hiking trails in the Inner Canyon, where temperatures can exceed 109 [Fahrenheit] in the shade during midday hours." "Despite rapid response and aerial support, all three individuals were found deceased when responders arrived," the park said.

All three bodies were recovered and transported to the Coconino County Health and Human Services Medical Examiner's Office in Flagstaff.

Extreme heat advisory issued

Following the deaths, GCNP issued a series of extreme heat warnings, including an Instagram post showing a thermometer reading of 167.9 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Park Service is now advising all visitors to stay off Inner Canyon trails between 10am and 4pm. A heat advisory shared on 20 June stated that an extreme heat watch is in effect from 10 a.m. on 22 June through to 7 p.m. on 23 June.

Warning signs and safety advice

Park officials have cautioned that heat illness can strike without warning. "Heat-related illnesses can come on suddenly, and a visitor's condition may deteriorate rapidly. Symptoms include but are not limited to headache, disorientation and confusion," GCNP said.

Officials also issued practical guidance for anyone planning to hike. "Prevention is key. Drink water. Ensure you have had enough salt — sweating in the desert doesn't always make a person wet, as sweat may evaporate quickly," GCNP said. "Carry all the water you need — not all trails have water, and even those that do can experience water outages. If you are near flowing water, soak yourself and your clothing."