The River Trail runs along the edge of an almost sheer cliff above the Colorado River/NPS file
A 69-year-old Texas man hoping to spend a night at Phantom Ranch on the floor of Grand Canyon National Park lost consciousness along the way and died, according to a park release.
The release said Scott Sims, of Austin, became semi-conscious Saturday evening on the River Trail roughly halfway between the Silver Bridge and the Black Bridge near the ranch. He became unresponsive shortly thereafter and bystanders initiated CPR as three National Park Service paramedics responded from Phantom Ranch.
Sims was attempting to reach Phantom Ranch for an overnight stay via the South Kaibab Trail, the release said.
In the summer, temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can reach over 120°F (49 °C) in the shade. Park rangers strongly advise not hiking in the inner canyon during the heat of the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Be aware that efforts to assist hikers may be delayed during the summer months due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather.
An investigation into the incident was being conducted by the National Park Service in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner.
