ARIZONA NEWS

69-year-old Texas man dies while hiking near the bottom of Grand Canyon

Jul 1, 2024, 1:16 PM

A view of the River Trail, which runs along the edge of a cliff above the Colorado River in Grand C...

A man died June 29, 2024, while hiking on the River Trail, which runs along the edge of a cliff above the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. (National Park Service Photo)

(National Park Service Photo)

PHOENIX – A 69-year-old Texas man died while hiking near the bottom of the Grand Canyon over the weekend, authorities announced Monday.

Scott Sims of Austin was trying to reach Phantom Ranch via the South Kaibab Trail for an overnight stay when he started losing consciousness, according to Grand Canyon National Park officials.

Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center learned of a semi-conscious hiker on the River Trail, about halfway between the Silver Bridge and Black Bridge, around 7 p.m. Saturday.

Soon after National Park Service paramedics reached the scene, Sims became unresponsive. Bystanders and paramedics performed CPR, but they could not resuscitate the hiker.

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

Why hiking Grand Canyon can be dangerous in summer heat

Park officials have issued warnings about the dangers of hiking in the Grand Canyon during periods of extreme heat.

Rangers advise against hiking in the inner canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the summer, when temperatures can reach over 120 degrees in the shade on exposed trails.

Additionally, rescue efforts can take longer during the summer due to limited staff, the number of calls and employee safety requirements, according to park officials. Also, helicopters could be unable to fly during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather.

Saturday’s Grand Canyon hiking death occurred two weeks after a 41-year-old man died after becoming unresponsive on the park’s Bright Angel Trail.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Scottsdale Airport...

Danny Shapiro

1 dead, 3 injured after Mötley Crüe band member’s plane crashes at Scottsdale Airport

One person died, and 4 others were injured after a plane belonging to a Mötley Crüe band member crashed on the runway at Scottsdale Airport on Monday afternoon, according to reporting by ABC15.

1 hour ago

drug bust...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Police arrest 5 suspects in social media drug ring

Five suspects took part in a social media drug ring and were arrested for trafficking military style weapons, firearms and drugs.

1 hour ago

Brady Fire...

Danny Shapiro

Brady Fire forces evacuations for residents south of Prescott

The Brady Fire that sparked Monday afternoon forced evacuations for some residents south of Prescott, authorities said.

3 hours ago

new Surprise fire department West Valley Arizona...

Serena O'Sullivan

Surprise completes 1 new fire station, buys land for another

Surprise Fire Station 309, the new Surprise fire department at the north side of Cactus Road at Perryville Road, became operational last week.

6 hours ago

Republican state Rep. Matt Gress is questioning the legality of the lease-purchase deal that bailed...

Kevin Stone

Arizona lawmaker raises questions about legality of Isaac School District lease-purchase deal

An Arizona lawmaker is questioning the legality of the lease-purchase deal that bailed the Isaac School District out of its financial crisis last month.

8 hours ago

research funding...

Kevin Stone

Arizona joins lawsuit to stop Trump research funding cuts that could cost state millions

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration to protect medical and public health research funding.

9 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

69-year-old Texas man dies while hiking near the bottom of Grand Canyon