A 24-year-old hiker was found dead along the Marufo Vega Trail in Big Bend National Park in Texas after rangers noticed a vehicle that had been parked for several days and launched a search. The rugged 14-mile trail in the desert area is known for its lack of shade and water, making it dangerous during warmer times of the year. The hiker’s body was removed by helicopter on Monday, and the National Park Service did not release the hiker’s name. The park staff expressed their sadness at the loss and extended condolences to the hiker’s family and friends. Despite being late October, temperatures in the desert parts of the park have been reaching almost 100 degrees each afternoon, with highs near 90 degrees at Lajitas International Airport just outside the park. The park service warns visitors to be prepared for extreme heat and to take precautions when hiking in the area.
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