Southern California hiker dies after trek in blistering Death Valley heat

A Southern California outside fanatic died on Tuesday after collapsing following an hours-long hike in Death Valley National Park, the world’s hottest place.

The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that 71-year-old Steve Curry died of what officers consider had been heat-related causes.

His loss of life occurred simply hours after chatting with a Times reporter about mountaineering within the warmth whereas he took a break for some uncommon shade underneath a metallic interpretative signal.

A sign warns people of extreme heat in multiple languages on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in Death Valley National Park, Calif.
A Southern California outside fanatic died Tuesday after collapsing following an hours-long hike in Death Valley National Park, the world’s hottest place. (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

“Why do I do it?” he stated when requested why he hiked in such excessive circumstances. “Why not?”

Hours later, Curry collapsed exterior the restroom at Golden Canyon. A park customer referred to as 911 from a cell phone and rangers tried to avoid wasting him however weren’t ready to take action, the newspaper reported.

“He went having accomplished something he wanted to do,” stated Rima Evans Curry, his spouse.

“He wanted to go to Death Valley. He wanted to do a hike.”

Death Valley National Park, California
A park customer referred to as 911 from a cell phone and rangers tried to avoid wasting him however weren’t ready to take action. (Reuters)

The famed National Park that runs alongside a part of central California’s border with Nevada is named the most well liked place on Earth and has recorded sweltering temperatures throughout a record-warm summer time.

On Sunday, temperatures reached 53°C at Death Valley’s aptly named Furnace Creek, the National Weather Service stated.

The hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth was 57°C in July 1913 on the identical location, in accordance with Randy Ceverny of the World Meteorological Organisation, the physique recognised as keeper of world data.

Curry was an avid hiker who had joined a mountain climbing group and brought wilderness coaching programs.

Members of the Israeli Mermaids Community swim with their mermaid tails at the Mediterranean Sea in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, Israel, Friday, July 21, 2023.

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Around the time he completed his hike, the thermometer on the Furnace Creek Visitor’s Centre registered 49.4°C.

Evans Curry stated her husband, who had labored for the Los Angeles Unified School District and as an electrician earlier than retiring a decade in the past, headed to the outside at any time when he had the prospect.

“He was always happiest when he could be out there sleeping under the stars,” she stated. “That was his joy.”

Curry is the second hiker to die within the park this month.

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Source: www.9news.com.au