Hiker died last week attempting rim-to-rim trek at Grand Canyon National Park

PHOENIX – A 74-year-old out-of-state hiker died last week during a rim-to-rim trek at Grand Canyon National Park, officials announced Monday.

Dennis Smith, 74, of Olympia, Washington, was making his way from the South Rim to the North Rim when he became unresponsive around 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to the National Park Service (NPS).

Bystanders and park staff could not revive him after the medical emergency about a half-mile below the North Kaibab Trailhead.

Officials described Smith as “an avid and experienced hiker.”

The Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating his cause of death.

Park officials issued warning about heat after hiker died

Grand Canyon National Park visitors should anticipate temperatures up to 100 degrees by the end of the week.

It can be especially treacherous to hike the inner canyon between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when temperatures are high.

Visitors should read the Key Hiking Messages webpage for the latest information on inner canyon conditions as well as safety tips.

North Rim facilities just opened for the season last week.

Parts of one of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders remain closed due to construction projects.

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