Man Dies During Grand Canyon Hike With Niece, Who Warns: 'Don't Underestimate Nature'

A man died Saturday while hiking in the Grand Canyon National Park, according to the National Park Service .

Park authorities received a report at around 7 p.m. that Scott Sims, 69, of Austin, Texas, was semiconscious on the River Trail, the Park Service said. He was hiking to Phantom Ranch in Arizona, where he planned to stay overnight.

He became unresponsive shortly afterward and could not be resuscitated, despite attempts by bystanders and then Park Service paramedics.

A cause of death was not provided, but the Park Service noted in its news release that summer temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can reach over 120 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade. It advised hikers to avoid hiking in the inner canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and noted that efforts to assist hikers could be delayed during summer months because of limited resources.

The Coconino County Medical Examiner and Park Service are investigating the incident.

Jessica Ryan, Sims’ niece, wrote on Facebook that she was with her uncle on the trek.

“Greg, my uncle and I started a hike down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon via South Kaibab trail,” she wrote. “June 29, 2024 my uncle lost his life on the trail. There are no words for the events that transpired and the emotions we are feeling right now. It’s not only what you see in movies. The most beautiful places are unforgiving. Be prepared. Don’t underestimate nature. Hike smart.”

The Park Service advises those who explore the canyon during the summer to hike smart by starting predawn and finishing in the late afternoon, taking a break in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

It also advises that anyone hiking in heat should balance food and water intake, drink when thirsty, and get wet to stay cool.

“Whenever you are near water, make sure that you wet (actually soak) yourself down. If you hike while soaking wet you will stay reasonably cool,” it says.