Hiker, 69, Dies in Grand Canyon National Park

A 69-year-old hiker died in Grand Canyon National Park Saturday evening, prompting park officials to warn visitors about extreme heat.

The National Park Service said in a statement Monday, July 1, that the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received a report of a semi-conscious hiker on the River Trail, about halfway between the Silver Bridge and Black Bridge near Phantom Ranch, at around 7 p.m. on Saturday.

The hiker, identified as Scott Sims, of Austin, Texas, became unresponsive soon after the call, and bystanders initiated CPR. Three NPS paramedics responded from nearby Phantom Ranch, but efforts by bystanders and paramedics to resuscitate Sims were unsuccessful.

Sims was hiking to the Phantom Ranch for a planned overnight stay, via the South Kaibab Trail, park officials said.

The incident is under investigation by NPS in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner.

Park officials warned that summer temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can reach can reach over 120 degrees 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.," park officials said. "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."