71-Year-Old Hiker Dies in Death Valley National Park at 121°F

NEVADA – On a Tuesday afternoon, when temperatures hit 121°F, a 71-year-old man died at Death Valley National Park. The Inyo County Coroner identified the man as Steve Curry, who slumped outside the Golden Canyon bathroom, according to the NPS.

According to the NPS statement, Curry had a backpack, hiking gear, and a sun hat. His automobile was nearby. Visitors saw him collapse and called 911 at 3:40 p.m., causing park officials to respond.

After arriving, the rangers performed CPR and used an AED to revive him. Unfortunately, the heat prevented a helicopter from arriving.

Park authorities believe the severe heat caused the fatality. The NPS estimated that Golden Canyon’s temperatures may have been much higher due to the canyon walls absorbing and radiating the sun’s heat. Furnace Creek’s official temperature was 121°F.

The Los Angeles Times interviewed Curry at Zabriskie Point hours before his death. The experienced hiker hiked two miles from Golden Canyon. He was photographed under a metal interpretative sign with sunscreen.

This terrible tragedy underlines the perils of severe heat in Death Valley, so authorities advise tourists to exercise utmost caution when visiting the park’s magnificent but merciless surroundings.

Credits: USA Today