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Man Found Dead Off-Trail At White Sands National Park

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Published Date

July 6, 2021

A New Mexico man was found dead off-trail in White Sands National Park/NPS file

Summer's high heat might have played a role in the death of a New Mexico man found off-trail at White Sands National Park.

Rangers began a search on around 11 p.m. on the Fourth of July after spotting an unoccupied vehicle in the park. Shortly before 5 p.m. Monday the body of Jeffrey Minshew, 63, of Moriarty, New Mexco, was found, a park release said.

The National Park Service is coordinating with the New Mexico State Police, the lead investigative agency, to investigate the incident. Further information is currently not available. No foul play is suspected at this time.

Temperatures in the southern New Mexico park this week have reached 90° Fahrenheit. During the extreme summer heat, it is critical to be prepared and know your limitations, the park release said.

"For summer hiking at White Sands, the park recommends starting in the coolest part of the day, early morning or early evening. We recommend that visitors not start a hike when the temperature is at or above 85 degrees F. There is no shade or water along any of the trails in the park," the release added. "We also recommend that hikers bring at least one gallon of water per person per day and high­ energy snacks. Wear a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and long pants to help protect skin from the sun."

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