60-year-old Davis man dies while hiking near Lake Berryessa, fire officials say
A 60-year-old Davis man died while hiking Sunday in the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve near Lake Berryessa, the Vacaville Fire Protection District announced.
Vacaville Fire Protection District officials responded around 12:20 p.m. Sunday to a report of a hiker in distress on the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve trail system, the district said in a social media post. The hiker, Brent Leuschen, was reported ill in a remote area of the trail. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by hikers and first responders, Leuschen was pronounced dead after being transported to the Canyon Creek Resort Area.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, friends and all those affected by this tragic incident,” a spokesperson for the district wrote.
Authorities urged anyone planning to hike in Solano County’s open spaces to prepare for extreme heat.
“We want to remind everyone that hiking in Solano County’s open spaces can be strenuous and potentially dangerous, especially during periods of extreme heat,” firefighters wrote. “Even experienced hikers can quickly experience heat-related illness.”
Hikers should check weather conditions, avoid peak heat hours and carry more water than they think they will need, according to the Vacaville Fire Protection District. Officials also recommend choosing trails that match hikers’ fitness levels and current conditions, hiking with a partner and sharing a route and expected return time with someone who is not on the hike.
Officials also stressed the value of satellite emergency communication devices and encouraged hikers to carry one when possible.
“Turn around if you begin feeling weak, dizzy, nauseated, or excessively fatigued,” a Vacaville Fire Protection District spokesperson wrote. “Please use caution when recreating outdoors and make safety your top priority.”
