1 Hiker Dead, 4 Rescued From Arizona Canyon Heat-Related Medical Emergency

One hiker died and four others were rescued in a heat-related medical emergency at Arizona’s Gold Canyon on Sunday, officials said.

Superstition Fire and Medical District said it responded along with the Mesa Fire Department and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office to a report of five patients needing rescue due to the heat at the Wave Cave Trail at Gold Canyon, about 40 miles east of Phoenix, at around 1 p.m. on Sunday, when temperatures neared 100 degrees.

The hikers had already been on the trail some six hours before they called for rescue because one member of the party was experiencing a medical emergency. Other members of the hiking party initiated CPR, and rescue teams took over when they arrived.

The 33-year-old man ultimately died, SFMD said. The other four hikers were transported down the mountain and refused transport to the hospital, the fire department said.

SFMD warned of the dangers of daytime heat as summer approaches.

“Arizona summers can reach 110°F+, heat exhaustion or heat stroke can occur in under an hour,” the fire department said, noting that most heat deaths on trails happen during the hottest part of the day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

“Always carry more water than you think youll need, minimum 1 liter per hour of hiking,” the fire department said. “Never hike alone, and always tell someone your route. “If you feel dizzy, nauseous, stop sweating, or become confused, get help immediately.

Please stay safe and plan wisely. No hike is worth your life.”