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Father And Stepson Die At Big Bend National Park

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Published Date

June 24, 2023

A 14-year-old boy died along the Marufo Vega Trail in 119-degree heat/NPS file

A 14-year-old Florida boy died at Big Bend National Park in Texas, apparently from the 119-degree Fahrenheit heat, and his stepfather, who went for help, was later found dead in a vehicle crash off an embankment at Boquillas Overlook.

A park release said that a call for help was received by the park's communications center around 6 p.m. Friday. A father and his two stepsons from Florida had been hiking the Marufo Vega Trail despite the high temperatures. The 14-year-old fell ill along the trail and lost consciousness, said the release, and the stepfather left to hike back to their vehicle to find help while the other brother, aged 21, attempted to carry his brother back to the trailhead.

A team of park rangers and U.S. Border Patrol Agents reached the trail at approximately 7:30 pm and located the young victim deceased along the trail. A search was then initiated for the stepfather. At approximately 8 p.m. his vehicle was found over the embankment at the Boquillas Overlook. The 31-year-old man was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash.

The Marufo Vega Trail winds through extremely rugged desert and rocky cliffs within the hottest part of Big Bend National Park, according to the National Park Service. There is no shade or or water along the route, making it a strenuous and dangerous trail to attempt in the heat of summer.

Big Bend is currently experiencing extreme heat with daily highs reaching 110-119 F at low elevations and along the Rio Grande.

This incident remains under investigation. There are no further details at this time.

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