Texas Heatwave Kills Teen on Big Bend Hike, Guardian Dies While Looking for Help

A teen perished on Big Bend while hiking as a result of the Texas heatwave on Friday. According to reports, his guardian passed away in a car crash while seeking assistance.

Fatal Hike During a Texas Heatwave

A teen boy, 14, lost his life while climbing in the sweltering heat, meanwhile, his stepfather crashed his car while attempting to summon assistance, dying as a result.

A plea for emergency help along the Marufo Vega Trail was received by the Big Bend National Park's Communication Center on Friday at or around 6 o'clock.

A Florida father and his two stepsons were trekking in the sweltering heat, the National Park Service said in a news release. It was 119 degrees outside. The 14-year-old became ill at that point and passed out. While the other brother, who is 21 years old, struggled to carry his sibling back to the trailhead, the father hurried to their vehicle to seek assistance.

Around 7:30 PM, a group of park rangers and agents from the US Border Patrol arrived on the site and discovered the young victim dead beside the route. The father was then sought after. At the Boquillas Overlook, the father's car was discovered overturned at 8 o'clock. At the collision site, the 31-year-old male was pronounced deceased, KFOX14 reports.

Dangerous Strenuous Trail in Big Bend

The Marufo Vega Trail, which is located in the hottest area of Big Bend National Park, goes over exceedingly harsh desert and steep cliffs. This challenging track is hazardous to undertake in the summer heat since it lacks water or shade. At low elevations and near the Rio Grande, daily highs in Big Bend are currently between 110 and 119 degrees Fahrenheit.

Investigations into this occurrence are still ongoing. There is currently no more information available, the NPS release says.

Heatwave During a Hike

The American Hiking Society advises wearing clothing that wicks moisture away from the body, thus hikers should stay away from cotton.

Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, which should be applied before venturing outside, should also be remembered by hikers.

Bandanas can be used as a cooling device while trekking in hot weather by soaking them in cool water and placing them on the hiker's head or neck.

The greatest way for hikers to keep even cooler is to plunge into the water while still wearing their clothes but without hiking boots or socks. Instead, water shoes should be used. Hikers should get their heads wet when hiking, but avoid drinking untreated water.

Plan the trip such that it begins early in the day when it is cooler and that the hikers are walking through more shady places throughout the warmest portion of the day.

Most importantly, hikers need to keep themselves hydrated. On a lengthy trip, hikers must consume lots of water or a sports drink containing electrolytes.

Also, it is better for hikers to move more slowly, advised the American Hiking Society.