Father and Daughter Found Dead at Canyonlands National Park After Running Out of Water in Extreme Heat
Moab, Utah – A tragic hiking expedition in Canyonlands National Park ended in disaster on Friday when a 23-year-old woman and her 52-year-old father from Green Bay, Wisconsin, were found dead after running out of water in searing temperatures. The father and daughter, whose names have not been released, succumbed to the extreme conditions while navigating the challenging Syncline Trail, according to a statement from the National Park Service.
The pair had embarked on the strenuous hike, which spans over eight miles and typically takes five to seven hours to complete. The trail is known for its steep elevation changes and difficult terrain, requiring hikers to navigate steep switchbacks and boulder fields with few trail markers.
As temperatures soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday, the two ran out of water. The intense heat, part of a broader heatwave affecting much of Utah and the surrounding regions, proved deadly. The National Park Service reported that a 911 text message received by a local police dispatcher alerted authorities to their peril. Unfortunately, by the time rangers and other authorities located the hikers, both had already passed away.
The incident is currently under investigation by the National Park Service in collaboration with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.
This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme heat, particularly in remote and challenging environments. The National Park Service has issued a warning to visitors to carry sufficient water and to avoid strenuous activities during peak midday temperatures.
This heartbreaking loss in Canyonlands National Park follows other heat-related fatalities across the United States this summer, including a recent death in California’s Death Valley, where temperatures reached a scorching 128 degrees Fahrenheit. The heatwave continues to prompt warnings from the National Weather Service about the increased risk of heat-related illnesses.
As the investigation continues, the park service emphasizes the importance of preparation and caution for all visitors during this period of extreme weather.
