The boy died of a “heat-related medical event” after hiking with his family in South Mountain Park and Preserve, according to the Phoenix Police Department
A 10-year-old boy tragically lost his life after facing “heat-related emergencies” during a family hike in Arizona, as reported by the Phoenix Police Department.
The incident happened on Tuesday, July 2, while the boy and his family were hiking at South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix.
The young hiker fell ill and had to be airlifted to an ambulance, which then rushed him to the hospital. Sadly, upon arrival, he was in critical condition and later passed away due to a “heat-related medical event.”
Authorities are currently looking into the incident for more details.
Temperatures soared to 113 degrees Fahrenheit that day, as detailed by The Weather Channel.
Just last month, another tragic incident occurred, where a mother of two from Pennsylvania died due to the summer heat while hiking in Sedona, Arizona, with her family.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the dangers of hiking in the summer, explaining that heat exhaustion can strike swiftly and can be fatal if not treated promptly. They also highlighted how certain trails can be much hotter due to minimal shade and rocky terrains.
In an attempt to prevent such tragedies, the City of Phoenix announced in April that some popular trails, including Camelback Mountain’s Echo and Cholla Trails and trails at Piestewa Peak, will be closed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning. Parking lot gates will also be closed, and signs will be put up to warn hikers of the heat dangers during these times.
Efforts to protect hikers continue, as the Phoenix Fire Department recently introduced a new technique called cold water immersion to help those suffering from extreme heat. This involves using specialized ice bags to quickly bring down the body temperature of individuals whose body heat rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit and who exhibit altered mental states.
The National Weather Service (NWS) provides preventive measures against heat-related illnesses, such as avoiding prolonged exposure to heat, staying hydrated, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, eating small meals regularly, monitoring high-risk individuals, and staying indoors during extreme heat events when possible.
Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, and weakness, while heat stroke symptoms can include confusion, dizziness, and unconsciousness. In cases of heat stroke, immediate medical attention is crucial, and the NWS advises calling 911 straight away.
