California woman dies while hiking at Grand Canyon National Park

PHOENIX — A California woman died on Wednesday while hiking at Grand Canyon National Park, according to park officials.

The incident occurred about half a mile above the Tip Off Resthouse on the South Kaibab Trail just after 5:30 p.m.

National Park Service personnel responded to the call via helicopter from the South Rim.

According to park officials, 49-year-old Catherine Houe of Daly City, California, was hiking into the canyon to stay overnight at Phantom Ranch.

But after 4 miles of hiking down the South Kaibab Trail, Houe became dizzy, disoriented and then stopped breathing, according to park officials.

Authorities said the cause of death is believed to be heat-related, as the temperature at Phantom Ranch was approximately 114 degrees on Wednesday.

The incident is currently being investigated by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

National Park Rangers at Grand Canyon National Park are warning visitors of the park — especially inner canyon hikers — that summer temperatures can reach over 120 degrees, even in the shade.

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