One of already several fatalities in the national parks this summer season, the National Park Service announced a hiker fatality on the popular Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park on July 14.
On July 14 at approximately 4:49 p.m., the Grand Canyon Communications Center received a report of CPR in progress on an unresponsive hiker at the Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse on the Bright Angel Trail.
Hiker Fatality on Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park
The hiker, Rodney Hatfield, 44, of Washington, Louisiana, was reported to be on a multi-day hiking trip in the Grand Canyon. On his way back from Phantom Ranch, he began experiencing difficulty hiking up the Bright Angel trail near Indian Garden.
Hatfield reached the Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse before becoming unresponsive. A preventive search and rescue (PSAR) volunteer arrived within minutes of the initial call and assisted with resuscitation efforts.
Subsequently, rangers responded via foot and helicopter. Unfortunately, however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and the responding rangers determined that Hatfield had passed away.
The Grand Canyon gets extremely hot in summer, making daytime hiking dangerous and potentially deadly. Therefore, rangers at Grand Canyon National Park strongly urge visitors who plan to hike in the canyon to take extra precautions and hike safely.
Hikers should hike before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., rest in shade whenever possible, and avoid hiking during the heat of the day.
Important tips to ensure that you have a successful, safe and enjoyable hiking experience in the Grand Canyon include the following:
- balance real food, electrolyte and water intake;
- drink when thirsty;
- get wet to stay cool; and
- stop hiking if you start to feel ill.
All visitors should ensure they are drinking plenty of fluids and watching for signs of distress in traveling companions. Additional information about hiking smart in the summer is available on the national park’s website.
An investigation into this hiker fatality incident on the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park is being conducted by the NPS in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner.
The National Park Service says that no additional information is available at this time.