While the park did not release Martinez’s cause of death, it noted that high temperatures in the inner canyon were well over 100 degrees on Sunday. At Phantom Ranch, which lies at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, the high temperature reached approximately 115 degrees, the release said.
Martinez died about one mile from where the Tapeats Creek and Colorado River converge, the parks service said. Her death is being investigated by the parks service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner.
“Park rangers at Grand Canyon National Park urge visitors to Grand Canyon, especially inner canyon hikers and backpackers, to be prepared for excessively hot days in the coming weeks,” the release said.
Temperatures on exposed parts of the trail can reach more than 120 degrees in the shade during the summer, and park rangers caution people not to hike in the inner canyon during peak hours of heat between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
“Hiking in extreme heat can lead to serious health risks including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, hyponatremia, and death,” the release said.
