Belgian tourist dies at ‘The Wave’ near Arizona border; 1st death since 2013

PHOENIX — A Belgian tourist died of apparent heat-related causes this week while hiking at a popular rock formation called “The Wave” near the Utah-Arizona border, authorities said.

Christophe Pochic was found dead on Monday after his 16-year-old son called his mom at a hotel to tell her that his dad had become disoriented and needed help.

Kane County sheriff’s Sgt. Alan Alldredge said Pochic’s death was the first at “The Wave” since a trio of deaths in 2013.

The geological gem, located in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, attracts worldwide visitors with its swirls of searing red, orange and yellow that fold into a bowl.

The 6-mile, roundtrip hike there is unmarked and cellphone reception is spotty at best.

Only 20 people are allowed to visit each day, chosen in a lottery system.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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