Belyruth Ordóñez, an avid hiker from Utah, tragically passed away at Snow Canyon State Park due to extreme heat, with her parents hospitalized for heat exhaustion. This incident is one of several heat-related fatalities at parks this month, including a father and daughter found dead at Canyonlands National Park and a motorcyclist who died at Death Valley National Park. The National Park Service does not close parks during extreme temperatures but encourages visitors to plan accordingly and be cautious. Climate change is making heatwaves more severe, leading to an increase in heat-related deaths. Hikers should carry enough water and be aware of the true temperature on park trails, which can be higher due to radiation from rocks. Recommendations include refraining from hiking during peak heat hours and turning back before running out of water. The tragic deaths of hikers at Grand Canyon National Park highlight the importance of being prepared and respecting nature’s power. Family and friends mourn the loss of loved ones and stress the importance of being cautious and prepared while enjoying outdoor activities.
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Four individuals lost their lives in the span of a week from heat-related incidents in state and national parks.
