10-year-old dies after hiking in triple-digit heat: Arizona police

This photo shows South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix. A 10-year-old boy died after hiking in the park on July 3, officials said.

City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department

Police say a 10-year-old boy died after hiking with his family in the Arizona mountains when temperatures exceeded 30°C.

Firefighters arrived on scene at about 2 p.m. July 2 at South Mountain Park and Preserve, the Phoenix Fire Department said in a news release.

Firefighters said they found the boy a mile away on the trail, where he was suffering from heat, and began rescue efforts.

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Phoenix police took the child off the trail by helicopter and transported him by ambulance, where he was taken to a hospital in critical condition, officials said.

Police said the man later died in hospital due to heat exhaustion.

The investigation is ongoing.

The temperature in Phoenix that day reached 46 degrees Celsius, according to AccuWeather and the National Weather Service.

South Mountain Park and Preserve spans over 16,000 acres and offers over 100 miles of trails.

Beating the Heat

When temperatures are extremely high, some people’s bodies may have difficulty regulating temperature.

In some cases, heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, nausea, weakness, and cold, clammy skin may occur, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, if heat exhaustion lasts too long, it can lead to heat stroke, the most serious form of heat injury. People experiencing heat stroke may have hot, red, dry, or clammy skin. They may also have a rapid, strong heart rate and may be disoriented. People should move indoors immediately and call 911 immediately if they have symptoms.

If people decide to hike or be outdoors in dangerously high temperatures, officials recommend following these tips:

Bring and drink plenty of water and remember to replenish electrolytes.
Eat twice as much food as usual and have salty foods on hand.
Carry a first aid kit with you.
Pack only the most necessary things.
Bring a flashlight with spare batteries for hiking on a cool evening.
To cool down, spray yourself with water.
To protect yourself from the sun, wear a hat and use sunscreen.
Have a whistle or signal ready for use in emergencies.
Wear waterproof clothing.

Helena Wegner is a McClatchy National Real-Time Reporter covering Washington state and the Western region. She earned a master’s degree in journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. She lives in Phoenix.