Washington Man Dies During Rim-to-Rim Grand Canyon Hike

Dennis Smith, a 74-year-old experienced hiker from Olympia, Washington, died during a rim-to-rim hike of the Grand Canyon on May 15. He was found unresponsive on the North Kaibab Trail, about half a mile from the trailhead, and despite efforts by bystanders and National Park Service personnel to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Smith was attempting the strenuous 24-mile hike from the South Rim to the North Rim. The Coconino County Medical Examiner's Office is investigating the cause of death. The National Park Service is cautioning hikers to prepare for extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees inside the canyon, and advises against hiking in the inner canyon during the hottest parts of the day. This incident highlights the risks posed by the challenging conditions and heat during Grand Canyon hikes.