Print
Close
Hiker from California dies suddenly at Utah's Zion National Park
By Andrea Vacchiano
Published January 27, 2024
A hiker from California died from a cardiac arrest while on a Zion National Park trail, park rangers say.
The pedestrian was a 63-year-old man from San Diego. In a statement, the National Park Service (NPS) said that they learned about an unresponsive hiker near the park's Scout Lookout on Friday afternoon.
"Rangers immediately responded and hiked to the patient with medical equipment including an automated external defibrillator (AED) and a heart monitor," the NPS explained.
When emergency crews arrived, they found park visitors performing CPR and other lifesaving measures.
BODY OF TENNESSEE HIKER MISSING IN SUBZERO TEMPERATURES RECOVERED BELOW 700-FOOT BLUFF
The National Park Service said that they learned about an unresponsive hiker near the park's Scout Lookout. (National Park Service)
"When they reached the patient, visitors with emergency medical training were performing CPR and directing other visitors who assisted," the press release added.
Despite attempts to save the man's life, he passed away. Over 20 workers, including paramedics and EMTs, responded to the incident.
CALIFORNIA HIKER PINNED UNDER BOULDER WEIGHING AT LEAST 6K POUNDS RESCUED AFTER 7 HOURS
Canyon Overlook at Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah. (Josh Brasted/Getty Images)
"After nearly an hour and a half administering CPR, treatment with the AED, and checking their condition with the heart monitor, the park consulted with a doctor (medical control) and the patient was pronounced dead," the NPS explained.
The park closed its West Rim Trail and opened it back up later Friday. The NPS is investigating the death, along with Utah's Office of the Medical Examiner and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
Large rock formations in Zion National Park, Springdale, Utah. (George Frey/Getty Images)
"All of us at Zion extend our deepest condolences to this hiker’s family," Zion National Park superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh said in a press release. "We also want to express thanks to the bystanders who assisted by performing CPR."
https://www.foxnews.com/us/hiker-from-california-dies-suddenly-utah-zion-national-park