While hiking in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park in triple-digit heat, a 52-year-old Wisconsin father and his 23-year-old daughter became lost.
According to a press statement from the National Park Service (NPS), on Friday, July 12, officials received a 911 text from someone on the park’s island in the Sky sector.
“National Park Service rangers and Bureau of Land Management Moab District Helitack personnel responded and initiated a search operation,” they stated. “When they were located, the two individuals were already deceased.”
According to the NPS, the two people, who were only described as being from Green Bay, Wisconsin, were “hiking on the Syncline Trail, getting lost, and running out of water.”
According to the NPS, the temperature during the event exceeded 100 degrees.
The National Park Service and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office are also looking into the incident. When people contacted park officials, they provided no additional information but confirmed that they had notified the next-of-kin prior to the press release.
In another instance, officials stated on Saturday, July 13, that a 30-year-old woman died at Utah’s Stone Canyon State Park.
Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety dispatched rescuers to the park after receiving initial reports that two people were “suffering from a heat-related incident.”
When rescuers came, they discovered two people suffering from heat exhaustion, according to Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety. Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety promptly administered first aid and transported them to the hospital.
“While on the scene, a passerby contacted police and reported that a third individual was unconscious a short distance away,” Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety said. “We recognized the person as a 30-year-old woman.” The first responders found the subject dead.
The victims at Stone Canyon State Park received no further information. Authorities stated that the inquiry is underway.
According to the NPS and Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety, visitors must carry enough water with them, especially during outdoor activities and high temperatures.
“Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety. “Look for symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness or severe weariness. Stay safe and hydrated.