‘Experienced’ Hiker, 74, Flatlines During Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Trek as Officials Warn of Heat Risks

The National Park Service identified the victim as Dennis Smith of Washington state

A 74-year-old man from Washington state died last week during a hike in the Grand Canyon, authorities said.

According to the National Park Service, officials were notified about an unresponsive hiker on the North Kaibab Trail —  approximately half a mile below the North Kaibab Trailhead —  at about 4:45 p.m., local time, on Thursday, May 15.

The hiker, identified as Dennis Smith, of Olympia, was pronounced dead at the scene despite attempts by park staff and bystanders to resuscitate him.

“Smith was attempting a Rim-to-Rim hike from the South Rim to the North Rim,” according to the news release, which added that the victim was an “experienced” hiker.

The Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office is investigating Smith’s cause of death, said the NPS.

The National Parks Foundation said the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim hike covers 24 miles and is “strenuous.”

“Being unprepared can have catastrophic results,” the foundation said on its website.

The National Park Service said that temperatures in the inner canyon were expected to reach 100 degrees at the end of the week, making it important for hikers to be prepared.

The department encouraged visitors to avoid hiking in the inner canyon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — the hottest point of the day.

“Hikers and backpackers attempting rigorous distances, such as rim to rim, through the inner canyon are encouraged to be self-reliant to prevent emergency situations for themselves and responders,” the NPS cautioned.

For up-to-date information on canyon conditions, visitors can check out the Key Hiking Messages webpage, the agency said.