56-year-old hiker who called for help in sweltering heat is found dead, Utah police say
Officers responding to a call from a hiker in distress near a state park found the woman dead on a trail, Utah police reported.
The 56-year-old woman reported she didn’t have enough water in the 106-degree heat near Quail Creek State Park on Sunday, July 21, the Hurricane City Police Department said in a news release.
Officers found her unconscious on the trail and could not revive her, police said.
Police did not release her name while the investigation continues.
Hurricane City is about a 290-mile drive southwest from Salt Lake City on the border with Arizona.
Beating the heat
When temperatures are extremely high, some people’s bodies can have trouble regulating temperature.
In some cases, people can experience heat exhaustion and have muscle cramps, nausea, weakness and cold or clammy skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If heat exhaustion persists for too long, however, it can lead to heatstroke, the most serious form of heat injury. People experiencing heatstroke can have hot, red, dry or damp skin. They also can have a fast and strong pulse, and they can become confused. People should move indoors immediately and call 911 right away if they have symptoms.
If people choose to hike or be outdoors in dangerously hot temperatures, officials recommend the following tips:
Carry and drink plenty of water and plan to replenish electrolytes.
Eat twice as much food as normal and have salty foods on hand.
Carry a first-aid kit.
Pack essentials only.
Bring a flashlight with spare batteries to hike during the cool evening.
Spray yourself with water to cool down.
Have a hat and sunscreen as protection from the sun.
Have a whistle or signal for emergency use.
Pack waterproof clothing if needed.
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