A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Death Valley National Park as a 71-year-old man lost his life amidst scorching temperatures reaching 121 degrees, Your Content has learned.
The unfortunate event occurred on Tuesday afternoon, with Steve Curry, a Los Angeles resident, collapsing outside the restroom at the Golden Canyon trailhead. Despite the swift response of first responders who performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator, Mr. Curry could not be saved.
The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office is yet to determine the official cause of death, but park rangers suspect heat played a significant role.
At the time of the incident, the temperature recorded at nearby Furnace Creek was 121 degrees, but the environment inside Golden Canyon was likely even hotter due to the sun’s rays being trapped by the canyon walls.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Curry had been interviewed at Zabriskie Point by a reporter from the Los Angeles Times. Witnesses saw him covered in sunscreen, seeking refuge under a shade-providing sign.
The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that he had hiked approximately two miles from Golden Canyon to Zabriskie Point before heading back towards the trailhead where his car was parked.
It’s a tragic reminder of the dangers posed by extreme heat in the region. This could be the second heat-related death in Death Valley National Park this summer, with a 65-year-old man having lost his life earlier this month.
In light of these unfortunate events, park officials strongly advise visitors to take necessary precautions during scorching summer months. Staying close to air-conditioned vehicles or exploring cooler mountain areas is highly recommended, according to NBC.
Hiking at low elevations after 10 a.m. is discouraged to ensure the safety of all visitors.