3 hikers die of suspected heat-related illness during rising temperatures at Grand Canyon

FILE - The Kaibab Trail, running right to left at center, at Grand Canyon ºÃÉ«tv Park on Jan. 20, 2001. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (AP) — Three hikers died from apparent heat-related illnesses in the Grand Canyon on two separate days in the past week in the inner canyon, where temperatures can exceed 109 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) in the shade during midday hours, federal officials said Friday.

A 72-year-old man became ill from the heat on June 12 while hiking the South Kaibab Trail and died before rescue crews could reach him. Four days later, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman also appeared to suffer from heat-related illnesses while hiking the North Kaibab Trail and died before help arrived, the U.S. ºÃÉ«tv Park Service said in a statement.

The Associated Press

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