Big Bend, Texas Most Deadly National Park Claims Another Life
Texas' most deadly national park, Big Bend, has claimed another life.
According to Fox Weather, on Monday, October 28, the body of a hiker was found on a trail inside Big Bend.
The body was found after park rangers became alarmed at a vehicle that had been left parked for several days near the Marufo Vega, Strawhouse, and Ore Terminal trails, leading to an aerial and ground search for the owner of the vehicle.
Sadly, the body of a 24-year-old hiker was found on a remote part of the Marfo Vega trail- a rocky, desert trail with no shade and no available water besides what the hiker packs.
The National Park Service (NPS) extended their sympathies, but also a warning- that even in late October, these trails can see temperatures of over 100 degrees in the afternoons.
Although NPS did not explicitly state that the hiker died of hyperthermia (also known as heatstroke), it appears that may have been the case. An official case of the hiker's death is likely pending a medical investigation.
Big Bend has had the most deaths of any Texas national park, and the #1 cause of those deaths is hyperthermia. However, it is still a rare occurrence and it should not keep anyone from responsibly enjoying the park.
Hyperthermia is largely preventable by staying very hydrated, wearing light, loose clothing, and avoiding trails during the heat of the day.
High-temperature warnings should be heeded every time. And it's very important that every hiker knows their limits, and doesn't take on more than they can handle.
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