3 hikers die of suspected heat-related illness during rising
temperatures at Grand Canyon
[June 20, 2026]
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — Three hikers died from
apparent heat-related illnesses in the Grand Canyon on two separate days
in the past week in the inner canyon, where temperatures can exceed 109
degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) in the shade during midday
hours, federal officials said Friday.
A 72-year-old man became ill from the heat on June 12 while hiking the
South Kaibab Trail and died before rescue crews could reach him. Four
days later, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman also appeared to
suffer from heat-related illnesses while hiking the North Kaibab Trail
and died before help arrived, the U.S. National Park Service said in a
statement.
Despite a rapid response and aerial support, all three hikers were dead
by the time first responders reached them, the park service said.
The Grand Canyon has seen an uptick in heat-related illnesses in recent
weeks and urged inner canyon hikers to stay off trails between 10 a.m.
and 4 p.m., park officials said.
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The Kaibab Trail, running right to left at center, at Grand Canyon
National Park on Jan. 20, 2001. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
 The bodies were taken to the
Coconino County Medical Examiner office and investigations of the
deaths are ongoing, the National Park Service said.
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