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A 71-year-old man named Steve Curry collapsed and died in Death Valley on Tuesday as temperatures reached a scorching 121F (49.4C). Curry was found outside a restroom in the Golden Canyon area, wearing a sun hat and hiking clothes. According to park officials, he had just been hiking the popular trail in the area.
Curry had been interviewed by the Los Angeles Times before his death and had mentioned that he had hiked that morning from Golden Canyon to Zabrieski Point, a distance of about 2 miles. He emphasized the extreme heat in the area, stating, “Everything is hot here.” The temperature inside Golden Canyon was likely even higher than the recorded 121F due to the canyon walls radiating the sun’s heat.
Park rangers encourage visitors to explore Death Valley safely during the summer by sightseeing only short distances from air-conditioned cars or hiking in the park’s cooler mountains. Hiking at low elevations after 10.00am is not recommended due to the intense heat. Despite efforts to save Curry, including performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator, he could not be revived.
This incident is the latest fatality in Death Valley related to extreme heat. Just two weeks prior, a 65-year-old man was found dead in his vehicle in the park, with hiking in extreme heat suspected as the cause of death. The extreme heat in Death Valley has also made rescuing visitors difficult, as helicopters often cannot be deployed due to the thinning air caused by the heat.
The ongoing heatwave has attracted “heat-seekers” to Death Valley, who seek to experience the extreme temperatures and take selfies next to Furnace Creek’s digital thermometer. Visitors have described the heat as feeling like a blow dryer in their face, even when there is a breeze.
The tragic death of Steve Curry serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by extreme heat and the importance of taking precautions when visiting areas with high temperatures. It is crucial to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and listen to the guidance of park officials to ensure a safe visit..
