Hiker dies at Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel trail

A hiker attempting to trek from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park to the Colorado River and back in a single day has died, according to park officials.

The 56-year-old man from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, who has not been identified, collapsed on the Bright Angel Trail below Havasupai Gardens on February 17 around 3 p.m. The trail descends from the South Rim to the Colorado River, with a 4,460-foot elevation change over a 7.8-mile distance.

Search and rescue personnel from the Grand Canyon arrived at the scene at around 3:30 p.m. but were unable to revive the hiker.

Park rangers advise against attempting to hike from the rim to the river and back in the same day due to the physically demanding nature of the journey and the hot temperatures that can be encountered.