Search and Rescue officials in Zion National Park say a hiker has died on the West Rim Trail. According to the official press release, park rangers responded Friday afternoon to the area near Scout Lookout, where there was an unresponsive hiker.
Officials said when they arrived on the scene, they found other park visitors trying to help with CPR. Rangers immediately used an automated external defibrillator (AED). Unfortunately, after about an hour and a half of continuous attempts to revive the person, they were pronounced dead.
“All of us at Zion extend our deepest condolences to this hiker’s family,” says Zion National Park Superintendent Jeff Bradybaugh. “We also want to express thanks to the bystanders who assisted by performing CPR.”
The victim is said to be a 63-year-old man from San Diego, California. Officials believe the man suffered a cardiac event. Still, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, and the National Park Service are continuing an active investigation into the death.
Officials say more than 20 search and rescue members were part of the response, including EMTs, paramedics, and an ambulance.