Indian-origin man dies while attempting to hike Grand Canyon National Park
An Indian-origin man died when he was attempting to hike in Grand Canyon National Park in the USA on Saturday, the park confirmed on Tuesday.
The man was identified as 55-year-old, Ranjith Varma of Manassas.
According to park authorities, Varma was hiking from the South to North Rim (Rim-to-Rim) in a single day.
"On September 9 at approximately 1:55 p.m., the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received an emergency call of a hiker in distress on the North Kaibab Trail approximately one mile south of Cottonwood Campground. Soon thereafter the hiker became unresponsive and bystanders initiated CPR," the park said in a statement.
"National Park Service (NPS) search and rescue personnel responded to the call via helicopter. Given the location, specialized helicopter maneuvers were employed to allow rangers to assume care of the hiker, initiating advance life support efforts. Attempts to resuscitate the hiker were unsuccessful," the statement said.
Meanwhile, NPS asked hikers not to hike in the inner canyon during the heat of the day between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
"Be aware that efforts to assist hikers may be delayed during the summer months due to limited staff, the number of rescue calls, employee safety requirements, and limited helicopter flying capability during periods of extreme heat or inclement weather," the statement said.