ST. GEORGE — Park officials are warning the public about the dangers of heat while hiking following the death of a hiker on Saturday.
On Sept. 9 at approximately 1:55 p.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received an emergency call of a hiker in distress on the North Kaibab Trail approximately 1 mile south of Cottonwood Campground, according to a press release issued by Grand Canyon National Park officials. Soon thereafter the hiker became unresponsive and bystanders initiated CPR.
National Park Service search and rescue personnel responded to the call via helicopter. Given the location, specialized helicopter maneuvers were employed to allow rangers to assume care of the hiker, initiating advanced life support efforts. Attempts to resuscitate the hiker were unsuccessful, the news release states.
The hiker has been identified as 55-year-old, Ranjith Varma of Manassas, Virginia, who was hiking from the South to North Rim (Rim-to-Rim) in a single day.
In the summer, temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celcius) in the shade. Park rangers strongly advise not hiking in the inner canyon during the heat of the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“Be aware that efforts to assist hikers may be delayed during the summer months due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather,” the news release reads.
Before heading down trails, hikers are strongly encouraged to read the Hiking Tips page and check the Backcountry Updates and Closures page for current information on inner canyon conditions.
An investigation into the incident is being conducted by the park service in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner. No additional information is available at this time.
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