3 Elderly Hikers Found Dead in Canyon

Three hikers died in Grand Canyon National Park over the last week or so in what officials say appear to be separate cases of heat-related illness. NBC News reports that the deaths occurred June 12 and June 16 on two inner-canyon routes, the South Kaibab and North Kaibab trails, according to a park statement. The victims were two men, ages 72 and 67, and a 68-year-old woman. Rescuers, including aerial crews, were unable to get to them in time. Their bodies were taken to the Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office.

SFGate notes that another heat-related death in the park took place earlier this month, when an 18-year-old visitor died while hiking on the Bright Angel Trail. The park, where inner-canyon temperatures can climb to close to 110 degrees in the shade midday, is now urging visitors to avoid strenuous hiking below the rim between 10am and 4pm. An investigation into the deaths is ongoing, per the AP.

National Park Service data show 34 unintentional deaths at the Grand Canyon from 2014 to 2019, with falls being the leading cause; the figures don't break out how many were heat-related. An NBC analysis of fatalities from 2007 to 2021 ranked the Grand Canyon 20th in death rate among national parks, far behind the North Cascades in Washington state. The Arizona park drew more than 4 million visitors in 2025.