Current:Home > Contact-usGrand Canyon hiker dies attempting to trek from south rim to north rim in single day-LoTradeCoin
Grand Canyon hiker dies attempting to trek from south rim to north rim in single day
View Date:2024-12-24 00:38:41
A Grand Canyon hiker has died while attempting to hike rim-to-rim in a single day at the national park.
Ranjith Varma -- a 55-year-old man from Manassas, Virginia -- was attempting to hike from the Grand Canyon’s south rim to the north rim in a single day on Saturday when the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received an emergency call at approximately 1:55 p.m. of a “hiker in distress” on the North Kaibab Trail, about one mile south of Cottonwood Campround, according to a statement released by the National Park Service (NPS) on Monday.
MORE: Wild otter attack leads to woman being airlifted to hospital, 2 others treated for injuries
The trail is notoriously difficult and few people who visit the park take on the challenge.
"For the hearty souls who are willing to work for it – less than one percent of the Grand Canyon’s five million annual visitors – the real magic lies below the rim," the National Parks Foundation says on their website. "On this epic Grand Canyon hike, you’ll leave from the North Kaibab Trail on the North Rim, challenging your personal limits as you descend 14.3 miles and 6,000 feet to the bottom of the canyon before connecting with the Bright Angel Trail and climbing 4,500 feet and 9.6 miles back out again to the South Rim."
Varma became unresponsive and bystanders began initiating CPR on him, according to NPS.
“National Park Service search and rescue personnel responded to the call via helicopter,” NPS said in their statement. “Given the location, specialized helicopter maneuvers were employed to allow rangers to assume care of the hiker, initiating advance life support efforts.”
MORE: Grand Canyon bus rollover kills 1, leaves more than 50 injured
Attempts to resuscitate Varma were ultimately unsuccessful and the 55-year-old died during his rim-to-rim attempt at the Grand Canyon.
Park officials took the opportunity to warn people about the dangers of hiking, particularly during extreme heat.
"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.," NPS said. "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."
MORE: Body of hiker missing for 37 years discovered in melting glacier
Hikers are strongly encouraged to read the Hiking Tips page and check the Backcountry Updates and Closures page for current information on inner canyon conditions on NPS’ website before embarking on any journey.
An investigation into the Varma’s death is being now being conducted by the NPS in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner and authorities confirmed that no further information will be made available at this time.
veryGood! (6)
Related
- Arkansas governor unveils $102 million plan to update state employee pay plan
- Emily in Paris' Lucas Bravo Reveals He Wasn't Originally Cast as Gabriel
- Happy 50th ‘SNL!’ Here’s a look back at the show’s very first cast
- Leaders of Democratic protest of Israel-Hamas war won’t endorse Harris but warn against Trump
- Atmospheric river to bring heavy snow, rain to Northwest this week
- Endangered sea corals moved from South Florida to the Texas Gulf Coast for research and restoration
- Eva Mendes Shares Her and Ryan Gosling's Kids Are Not Impressed With Her Movies
- Justin Bieber's Mom Shares How She Likes Being a Grandmother to His and Hailey Bieber’s Baby
- Who will be in the top 12? Our College Football Playoff ranking projection
- Lionel Messi, Inter Miami back in action vs. Atlanta United: Will he play, time, how to watch
Ranking
- Could trad wives, influencers have sparked the red wave among female voters?
- 'The Golden Bachelorette' cast: Meet the 24 men looking to charm Joan Vassos
- Alaska man charged with sending graphic threats to kill Supreme Court justices
- Voters view Harris more favorably as she settles into role atop Democratic ticket: AP-NORC poll
- New Jersey will issue a drought warning after driest October ever and as wildfires rage
- The Smoky Mountains’ highest peak is reverting to the Cherokee name Kuwohi
- 36 Unique Hostess Gifts Under $25 To Make You the Favorite Guest as Low $4.99
- Newly released Coast Guard footage shows wreckage of Titan submersible on ocean floor
Recommendation
-
Demure? Brain rot? Oxford announces shortlist for 2024 Word of the Year: Cast your vote
-
Pregnant Gypsy Rose Blanchard Details “Unexpected” Symptoms of Second Trimester
-
Two Georgia deaths are tied to abortion restrictions. Experts say abortion pills they took are safe
-
'As fragile as a child': South Carolina death row inmate's letters show haunted man
-
Florida State can't afford to fire Mike Norvell -- and can't afford to keep him
-
Tyler Henry on Netflix's 'Live from the Other Side' and the 'great fear of humiliation'
-
Blue Jackets open camp amid lingering grief over death of Johnny Gaudreau
-
Family of man found dead with a rope around neck demands answers; sheriff says no foul play detected