1 Hiker Dead, 4 Rescued After Suffering ‘Heat Issues' amid 100-Degree Temperatures in Arizona's Gold Canyon
Authorities responded to a rescue alert for five hikers "due to heat issues" at the Superstition Mountains in Arizona on Sunday, May 11
One person suffered a heat-related medical emergency and died at the scene, and the four other hikers were rescued, authorities confirmed
The alert was initiated as Arizona reached temperatures of almost 100 degrees Fahrenheit on SundayOne person died, and four hikers were rescued after suffering a heat-related medical emergency in Arizona's Gold Canyon.
Authorities responded to a rescue alert for five hikers at the Superstition Mountains, located about 40 miles east of Phoenix, at around 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 11, the Superstition Fire & Medical District stated in a news release on Facebook.
'SFMD, along with assistance from the Mesa Fire Department and Pinal County Sheriff's Office, responded to a 1st alarm Mountain rescue with reports of five patients needing rescue, reportedly due to heat issues,' the SFMD said. 'Tragically, this mountain rescue resulted in one fatality.'
According to the release, the four other patients were rescued and 'refused transport to the hospital.'
The rescue alert was sent out six hours into the group's hike after a 33-year-old man experienced a medical emergency, ABC News reported, citing the Pinal County Sheriff's Office.
The man was found unresponsive by the time the authorities arrived. Some of the hikers had attempted CPR beforehand; however, he was pronounced dead at the scene, local outlet KTAR News reported.
The SFMD shared photos on Facebook of fire trucks at the hiking trail where the group was rescued. A helicopter was also seen above the area.
According to the National Weather Service, the temperature in Phoenix reached nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday. The heat is expected to persist through Monday, May 12, and temperatures are expected to stay just below that high throughout the week.
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In their release, the SFMD said "Arizona summers can reach 110°F+,' and 'heat exhaustion or heat stroke can occur in under an hour' under such conditions.
'Most heat deaths happen on trails between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the hottest part of the day,' stated the SFMD. They warned those around the area to 'avoid hiking in extreme heat, especially during excessive heat warnings.'
'If you feel dizzy, nauseous, stop sweating, or become confused, get help immediately,' added the SFMD.
PEOPLE has reached out to the SFMD and PCSO for further comment.
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