The summer of 2024 has been one of the hottest on record all around the world. Residents in western states in the US, like California, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, which already experience warm temperatures in the summer, are definitely struggling to stay cool and hydrated during these intense heat waves.
In fact, several hikers across these states have died this summer from dehydration, including a father and daughter from Wisconsin who lost their lives in Canyonlands National Park earlier this month.
Getting Lost in Canyonlands National Park
The father and daughter from Green Bay, aged 52 and 23, decided to hike the Syncline Trail as thousands of others do every summer. However, somewhere along the winding trail in the giant park, they lost their way.
That day, the temperature in Utah was well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and shortly after running out of water, they both experienced severe heat exhaustion.
A Search Party Found the Father and Daughter
The National Parks Service (NPS) was alerted that the duo hadn’t returned from their hike later that day and immediately sent a search party to find them. Although they finally located the lost hikers, they had sadly already passed on.
And, unfortunately, that was just one instance in which the NPS was called in to find and save lost and exhausted hikers in July. At least six other people have died in a National Park over the past few weeks.
Motorcyclist Lost His Life in Death Valley National Park
On July 6, a motorcyclist passing through California’s Death Valley National Park died from heat exposure, while another was hospitalized and barely recovered.
The other four motorcyclists in their party also needed medical treatment for heat illness, but fortunately, their symptoms could be treated at the scene. That day, it was an almost unbelievable 128 degrees.
A Hiker Died in Arizona the Very Next Day
The very next day, a 50-year-old hiker from Texas was found dead along the south rim trail of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
This tragic death occurred only two weeks after a separate 69-year-old hiker lost his life after experiencing heat illness while hiking the Grand Canyon. Scott Sims collapsed and became semi-conscious while trying to reach his destination. First responders attempted CPR but were unable to revive him.
30-Year-Old Woman Dies of Heat Exhaustion in Snow Canyon State Park
In Snow Canyon State Park in Irvins, Utah, temperatures have not dropped below 100 degrees in over a month. And on the weekend of July 13th, rescuers were called to the park to attend to two hikers who were experiencing heat exhaustion.
When they arrived, they were able to treat Dario and Humbelina Ordonez on-site before transferring them to the hospital, where they are still in critical condition. But sadly, the first responders found their 30-year-old daughter, Belyruth Ordonez, dead just a few miles away.
First Responders Are Doing Everything They Can to Save Those in Trouble
There’s no doubt that the NPS first responders have had their work cut out for them this summer. They are constantly receiving phone calls to help hikers suffering from heat exhaustion, search for missing visitors, and, more often than not, remove the bodies of the deceased.
Unfortunately, there is little to be done when a person has severe heat illness; they can move the person out of the sun, raise their feet, and give them water or electrolytes, but that’s about it.
The Summer 2024 Heat Wave Is Extremely Concerning
These tragic stories certainly express just how dangerous heat waves can be, especially for those trying to enjoy wonderful outdoors throughout the western states.
But it’s important to understand that these are not regular heat waves; several cities and states throughout the nation have experienced their hottest summers on record. Sadly, these temperatures are literally killing people.
Thousands of People Experience Heat-Related Deaths Every Year
According to organizations like the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around half a million people lose their lives every year due to heat-related deaths.
As the world’s temperatures rise every year, many expect this number to significantly increase over the coming decade.
All Americans Need to Express Caution This Summer
Though it is certainly expected to get worse over the coming years, this summer is already hot enough to cause extreme concern.
It is absolutely crucial that Americans, as well as anyone else who lives in a warm climate, understand how to protect themselves from heat illness, exhaustion, and possible death.
The NPS Begs Visitors to Drink Enough Water
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several ways to prevent heat exhaustion, including drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, choosing loose-fitting and lightweight clothing, and checking any and all medications to ensure overheating isn’t a side effect.
Additionally, the National Parks Service released an official announcement earlier this month: “While temperatures remain high this summer, park visitors are advised to carry and drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity during midday heat.”
Climate Change Is Undoubtedly to Blame
While summers are always hot, there is no doubt that the scorching temperatures we’ve seen this year directly result from climate change.
More and more people will continue to die from heat exhaustion as global temperatures continue to rise. For those unconcerned about the future of the planet, this should be a wake-up call that climate change is affecting us in the here and now.
