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(Trends Wide) — Two people died Friday while trying to get help after hiking in extremely hot conditions in Big Bend National Park in southwestern Texas, according to a press release from the National Park Service (NPS). ).
“A father and two step-sons from Florida were hiking the Marufo Vega Trail in extreme heat” this Friday, with temperatures in the 120s at the time, according to the news release.
During the hike, “the youngest, aged 14, fell ill on the trail and lost consciousness,” NPS officials said.
The 31-year-old father “left the scene to return to his vehicle for help, while the other brother, 21, attempted to walk his brother to the trailhead,” the statement said.
According to the NPS, around 6:00 p.m. local time, the “Big Bend National Park Communications Center received a call requesting emergency assistance” for the trail. “Park rangers and US Border Patrol agents arrived at the scene at approximately 7:30 pm local time and located the deceased young victim along the trail,” park authorities explained.
The local authorities then began the search for the father. Around 8:00 pm local time, “his crashed vehicle was located on the embankment of the Boquillas viewpoint,” according to the press release.
The 31-year-old man “was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident,” the NPS said. No further details were provided about the 21-year-old or his condition.
The incident remains under investigation, according to authorities.
“The Marufo Vega Trail winds through extremely rugged desert and rocky cliffs within the hottest part of Big Bend National Park. Lack of shade and lack of water make this grueling trail dangerous in the height of summer. Big Bend is currently experiencing extreme heat with daily highs reaching 43 to 48 degrees Celsius at low elevations and along the Rio Grande,” according to the NPS.
