Can’t image what it would feel like to leave a buddy and have this happen!
PARK RANGERS RECOVER BODY OF HIKER FROM REMOTE AREA OF GRAND CANYON
Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Park rangers recovered the body of a man from a remote area in the Toroweap/Tuweep area on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The National Park Service (NPS) received a call last night at approximately 6:00 p.m. from an NPS volunteer at Tuweep who had received a report of a deceased hiker near the Lava Falls Route.
Five male hikers started what was to be a day hike to the river on the Lava Falls Route, a rugged remote route near Tuweep, Arizona. Initial investigations indicate that one hiker began to feel fatigued and was running low on water so turned around to hike out. He was last seen by his friends at approximately 9:00 yesterday morning. The four other hikers continued their hike, but then later separated – two decided to camp near the Colorado River last night, the other two hiked out yesterday afternoon.
During the course of hiking out the two hikers came upon the body of their friend, who had left the group earlier in the day, on a point approximately 100 yards from a parking lot adjacent to where the route begins.
With darkness approaching park rangers were not able to respond by helicopter and instead drove to the remote location, approximately 3.5 hours from the North Rim developed area.
Park rangers began a search at first light this morning and located the body shortly after 7:00 a.m. His body will be transported by helicopter to the Kingman Airport in northwestern Arizona and transferred to the Mohave County Medical Examiner who will help determine cause of death.
As with all fatalities that occur within the park, an investigation will be completed by the National Park Service.
The victim’s name is being withheld, pending positive identification and notification of next-of-kin.
Park rangers urge hikers, especially when hiking in remote areas of the park, to be aware of the hazards that exist and to go prepared. The Lava Falls Route is one of the hottest, steepest routes within Grand Canyon National Park. It is can be dangerous and is not a hike that is recommended during hotter times of the year. Hiking information, including trail conditions and weather, can be obtained on the park’s Web site at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm, at one of the park’s Backcountry Information Center’s or by calling 928-638-7875.
rich_rudow
Tom, I’m always amazed at how many people do the Lava route. The trail register is amusing to read. People sign in and then add the “we almost died” commentary about their exit experience. The route is close to Toroweap and attracts many inexperienced hikers as a result. No permit is required for day hikes.
Rich
> Well, maybe a bit odd, but experienced hikers do this from time to time. These guys might have been experienced hikers, or total gumbies. The report does not qualify them in either way.
Tom >
rich_rudow
New information here courtesy of Tom Martin over on the rafting group:
—–Original Message—– From: Maureen_Oltrogge@nps.gov [mailto:Maureen_Oltrogge@nps.gov] Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2010 11:13 AM Subject: Body of man recovered from remote area of Grand Canyon identified
Contact(s): Maureen Oltrogge Phone number: 928-638-7779 Date: September 30, 2010
Body of man recovered from remote area of Grand Canyon identified
Grand Canyon, Ariz. – The body of a man recovered from a remote area within Grand Canyon National Park has been identified as that of 30-year-old Gavin C. Smith, of Lawrence Kansas.
He and four others were on what was to be a day hike to the river on the Lava Falls Route, a remote route near Tuweep in the Toroweap Valley, approximately 3.5 hours from the developed area on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Initial investigations indicate that Mr. Smith hiked approximately one-half of the way down to the river and then decided to wait for his companions to descend to the river and come back to his location. He was last seen by his friends at approximately 9:00 Tuesday morning.
Mr. Smith’s body was found by one of his hiking companions late Tuesday afternoon, approximately 100 yards from a parking area adjacent to where the route begins. His hiking companion reported the incident to a National Park Service volunteer located at Tuweep.
Park rangers recovered his body yesterday morning. His body was flown to Kingman, Arizona and transferred to the Mohave County Medical Examiner. Initial indications are that Mr. Smith’s death was heat related.
Park rangers urge hikers, especially when hiking in remote areas of the park, to be aware of the hazards that exist and to go prepared. The Lava Falls Route is one of the hottest, steepest routes within Grand Canyon National Park. It is can be dangerous and is not a hike that is recommended during hotter times of the year. Hiking information, including trail conditions and weather, can be obtained on the park’s Web site at http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm, at one of the park’s Backcountry Information Center’s or by calling 928-638-7875.
Maureen Oltrogge Public Affairs Officer Grand Canyon National Park (928) 638-7779 (928) 638-7609 fax maureen_oltrogge@nps.gov
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, “rich_rudow” wrote:
Hi Randi, I don’t know of any fatalities on the painted route, but it’s a small part of the entire route so perhaps it came into play in some way. Thirsty people took the route, didn’t like the climb or the rocks were too hot, retreated, and got more thirsty? Speculation on my part. The NPS is aware of the paint and for all I know it’s already been eliminated. I haven’t been on the route in 18 months myself, but I’ve been asked to take the new GCNP Chief Ranger down a stunning slot we discovered in Nov when the temps are mild. We’re pack rafting to lava for an exit. I’ll have the right audience in tow if the paint is still there
Rich
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, Randi wrote:
Thanks for the route description. Looking at the map gives a good visual of what the guy was up against. It doesn’t look all that far, & I’m sure he was thinking the same thing, but the terrain you describe, coupled with those temps makes it sound like a pretty difficult route, and obviously in some cases fatal.
ÂÂ
I think it’s wise for people hiking the back-country to regognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Perhaps this guy was suffering heat exhaustion at first and kept pushing himself thinking “it’s not that far back to the cars”.
ÂÂ
My condolences to his family and friends too.
Very sad.
ÂÂ
Bummer that someone painted the rocks, and on the wrong route even.
Do you know Rich if anyone has died on the painted route? You would think that the park service might want to get some volunteers to clean that up.
— On Thu, 9/30/10, rich_rudow wrote:
From: rich_rudow Subject: Re: [from Canyons Group] PARK RANGERS RECOVER BODY OF HIKER FROM REMOTE AREA OF GRAND CANYON
To: Yahoo Canyons Group
> Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 10:48 AM
ÂÂ
It’s been 108 deg in Phoenix this week. The Lava Falls route is covered with black lava rock. It’s an absolute oven this time of year. It’s more of a route than a trail. Places are quite distinct and other places less so. There are instances of multi-trailing in a few places and some of the spurs are much harder than others. Parts of the route involve loose scree and footing is difficult. Some dummy painted white dots on their favorite route a few years ago, unfortunately, the white dot route requires some climbing with use of hands – hard to do when the rock is 140 deg! It’s actually the “wrong” route too.
The route has 2,600′ of elevation change between rim and river over 1.5 miles. It’s not that bad as GC hikes go, but it’s certainly a “route” and not a “trail”. I’ve hiked from rim to river and back in 3 hours …. in late Nov. Todd and I have also used the route multiple times as a pack raft exit lugging Heaps packs up to escape fine slots in the neighborhood.
I posted a day hike from a few years back if you want a preview of what this route entails. This is the third fatality on this route in two years. Almost all fatalities here are the result of summer hiking and accompanying heat stroke. All also involved solo males. Condolences to the family.
http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/49508
> Rich
Hard to say what happened in the Grand Canyon. He headed back at 9 am, so it seems that would be fairly early in the hike. Hot out there this week.
Tom
>
>
rich_rudow
Hi Randi, I don’t know of any fatalities on the painted route, but it’s a small part of the entire route so perhaps it came into play in some way. Thirsty people took the route, didn’t like the climb or the rocks were too hot, retreated, and got more thirsty? Speculation on my part. The NPS is aware of the paint and for all I know it’s already been eliminated. I haven’t been on the route in 18 months myself, but I’ve been asked to take the new GCNP Chief Ranger down a stunning slot we discovered in Nov when the temps are mild. We’re pack rafting to lava for an exit. I’ll have the right audience in tow if the paint is still there
Rich
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, Randi wrote:
> Thanks for the route description. Looking at the map gives a good visual of what the guy was up against. It doesn’t look all that far, & I’m sure he was thinking the same thing, but the terrain you describe, coupled with those temps makes it sound like a pretty difficult route, and obviously in some cases fatal. >  > I think it’s wise for people hiking the back-country to regognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Perhaps this guy was suffering heat exhaustion at first and kept pushing himself thinking “it’s not that far back to the cars”. >  > My condolences to his family and friends too. > Very sad. >  > Bummer that someone painted the rocks, and on the wrong route even. > Do you know Rich if anyone has died on the painted route? You would think that the park service might want to get some volunteers to clean that up.
— On Thu, 9/30/10, rich_rudow wrote:
> From: rich_rudow To: Yahoo Canyons Group
Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 10:48 AM
> ÂÂ
It’s been 108 deg in Phoenix this week. The Lava Falls route is covered with black lava rock. It’s an absolute oven this time of year. It’s more of a route than a trail. Places are quite distinct and other places less so. There are instances of multi-trailing in a few places and some of the spurs are much harder than others. Parts of the route involve loose scree and footing is difficult. Some dummy painted white dots on their favorite route a few years ago, unfortunately, the white dot route requires some climbing with use of hands – hard to do when the rock is 140 deg! It’s actually the “wrong” route too.
The route has 2,600′ of elevation change between rim and river over 1.5 miles. It’s not that bad as GC hikes go, but it’s certainly a “route” and not a “trail”. I’ve hiked from rim to river and back in 3 hours …. in late Nov. Todd and I have also used the route multiple times as a pack raft exit lugging Heaps packs up to escape fine slots in the neighborhood.
I posted a day hike from a few years back if you want a preview of what this route entails. This is the third fatality on this route in two years. Almost all fatalities here are the result of summer hiking and accompanying heat stroke. All also involved solo males. Condolences to the family.
http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/49508
> Rich
> Hard to say what happened in the Grand Canyon. He headed back at 9 am, so it seems that would be fairly early in the hike. Hot out there this week.
Tom
> >
Randi
Thanks for the route description. Looking at the map gives a good visual of what the guy was up against. It doesn’t look all that far, & I’m sure he was thinking the same thing, but the terrain you describe, coupled with those temps makes it sound like a pretty difficult route, and obviously in some cases fatal.  I think it’s wise for people hiking the back-country to regognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Perhaps this guy was suffering heat exhaustion at first and kept pushing himself thinking “it’s not that far back to the cars”.  My condolences to his family and friends too. Very sad.  Bummer that someone painted the rocks, and on the wrong route even. Do you know Rich if anyone has died on the painted route? You would think that the park service might want to get some volunteers to clean that up.
— On Thu, 9/30/10, rich_rudow rich_rudow@trimble.com> wrote:
From: rich_rudow rich_rudow@trimble.com> Subject: Re: [from Canyons Group] PARK RANGERS RECOVER BODY OF HIKER FROM REMOTE AREA OF GRAND CANYON To: Yahoo Canyons Group Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 10:48 AM
ÂÂ
It’s been 108 deg in Phoenix this week. The Lava Falls route is covered with black lava rock. It’s an absolute oven this time of year. It’s more of a route than a trail. Places are quite distinct and other places less so. There are instances of multi-trailing in a few places and some of the spurs are much harder than others. Parts of the route involve loose scree and footing is difficult. Some dummy painted white dots on their favorite route a few years ago, unfortunately, the white dot route requires some climbing with use of hands – hard to do when the rock is 140 deg! It’s actually the “wrong” route too.
The route has 2,600′ of elevation change between rim and river over 1.5 miles. It’s not that bad as GC hikes go, but it’s certainly a “route” and not a “trail”. I’ve hiked from rim to river and back in 3 hours …. in late Nov. Todd and I have also used the route multiple times as a pack raft exit lugging Heaps packs up to escape fine slots in the neighborhood.
I posted a day hike from a few years back if you want a preview of what this route entails. This is the third fatality on this route in two years. Almost all fatalities here are the result of summer hiking and accompanying heat stroke. All also involved solo males. Condolences to the family.
http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/49508
Rich
Hard to say what happened in the Grand Canyon. He headed back at 9 am, so it seems that would be fairly early in the hike. Hot out there this week.
Tom >
TomJones
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, Randi wrote:
Oh. Bridge, wire – a way across? I recalled that from the book, but I thought he didn’t have a map for some reason. My bad.
In Alaska, they use wires suspended above the river bed to get people across rivers, with a little cart on it or just a seat. Much cheaper to install than an actual bridge.
I wonder if the guy had a medical condition – maybe he started feeling heart pains or something like that and didn’t mention anything but not feeling up for the hike? > Maybe heat stroke? I guess we’ll find out at some point once the coroners report comes in.
Do you think it odd at all that the rest of the group split up as well? >
Well, maybe a bit odd, but experienced hikers do this from time to time. These guys might have been experienced hikers, or total gumbies. The report does not qualify them in either way.
Tom
rich_rudow
It’s been 108 deg in Phoenix this week. The Lava Falls route is covered with black lava rock. It’s an absolute oven this time of year. It’s more of a route than a trail. Places are quite distinct and other places less so. There are instances of multi-trailing in a few places and some of the spurs are much harder than others. Parts of the route involve loose scree and footing is difficult. Some dummy painted white dots on their favorite route a few years ago, unfortunately, the white dot route requires some climbing with use of hands – hard to do when the rock is 140 deg! It’s actually the “wrong” route too.
The route has 2,600′ of elevation change between rim and river over 1.5 miles. It’s not that bad as GC hikes go, but it’s certainly a “route” and not a “trail”. I’ve hiked from rim to river and back in 3 hours …. in late Nov. Todd and I have also used the route multiple times as a pack raft exit lugging Heaps packs up to escape fine slots in the neighborhood.
I posted a day hike from a few years back if you want a preview of what this route entails. This is the third fatality on this route in two years. Almost all fatalities here are the result of summer hiking and accompanying heat stroke. All also involved solo males. Condolences to the family.
http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/49508
Rich
Hard to say what happened in the Grand Canyon. He headed back at 9 am, so it seems that would be fairly early in the hike. Hot out there this week.
Tom >
Randi
Oh. Bridge, wire – a way across? I recalled that from the book, but I thought he didn’t have a map for some reason. My bad.  I wonder if the guy had a medical condition – maybe he started feeling heart pains or soemthing like that and didn’t mention anything but not feeling up for the hike? Maybe heat stroke? I guess we’ll find out at some point once the coroners report comes in.  Do you think it odd at all that the rest of the group split up as well?
— On Thu, 9/30/10, TomJones ratagonia@gmail.com> wrote:
From: TomJones ratagonia@gmail.com> Subject: Re: [from Canyons Group] PARK RANGERS RECOVER BODY OF HIKER FROM REMOTE AREA OF GRAND CANYON To: Yahoo Canyons Group Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 8:56 AM
ÂÂ
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, Randi wrote: > Recall McCandles’s story (Into the Wild) – had he had a map of the area, he’d have known there was a bridge spanning the river not far from where he died.ÂÂÂ
Your point well-taken, but…
There was a wire across the river, not too far from where he was. He had a map of where he was, but was near the edge of the Quadrangle, and the wire was shown on the next Quadrangle.
Hard to say what happened in the Grand Canyon. He headed back at 9 am, so it seems that would be fairly early in the hike. Hot out there this week.
Tom
TomJones
— In Yahoo Canyons Group, Randi wrote: > Recall McCandles’s story (Into the Wild) – had he had a map of the area, he’d have known there was a bridge spanning the river not far from where he died.ÂÂ
Your point well-taken, but…
There was a wire across the river, not too far from where he was. He had a map of where he was, but was near the edge of the Quadrangle, and the wire was shown on the next Quadrangle.
Hard to say what happened in the Grand Canyon. He headed back at 9 am, so it seems that would be fairly early in the hike. Hot out there this week.
Tom
Randi
This is sad, as are all these seemingly preventable deaths in the wilderness. It’s even more tragic when these folks are found dead so close to water, or civilization this way. The guy was obviously on a trail if he was near the parking lot – so he must have died from exhaustion or dehydration, or possibly had a medical condition? Was he under prepared? Recall McCandles’s story (Into the Wild) – had he had a map of the area, he’d have known there was a bridge spanning the river not far from where he died.  As far as letting a friend turn around and hike back out alone, I think it depends on each individual situation. If in a remote area, without a clearly defined trail – someone hiking out alone is probably not the best option, but I wonder if these guys were even friends. It seems odd that the others in the group would also split up. Doesn’t sound like they were a very cohesive group.  Too bad about that guy…  You know though, you take a chance every time you leave your house – and prepared or not, careful or not, sometimes sh*t just happens. I passed a woman on highway 395 last weekend outside of Bishop, Ca. – she was placing new flowers at a roadside memorial where a school bus full of kids were was hit while coming home from a camping trip. A friend of a friend was at the scene of the crash – overturned bus – on fire – kids screaming…he helped pull them from the burning wreckage but there were two girls they couldn’t get out and they all stood there on the side of the road unable to do anything but listen to the screams of those kids burning to death. I knew about this accident before seeing that woman out there and it brought tears to my eyes wondering who this woman was and how she might have been related to those kids.  Sad thing about life, this “temporary” business, but that’s the way it is. I think it’s sadder when people who never really lived die.  ÂÂ
— On Thu, 9/30/10, Felicia canyoncaper@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Felicia canyoncaper@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: [from Canyons Group] PARK RANGERS RECOVER BODY OF HIKER FROM REMOTE AREA OF GRAND CANYON To: “Yahoo Canyons Group” Date: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 6:26 AM
ÂÂ
Very sad.
Question: if a person in the group is not feeling well, would you let them turn around and return by themselves?
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 30, 2010, at 5:35 AM, “RAM” adkramoo@aol.com> wrote:
> Can’t image what it would feel like to leave a buddy and have this happen!
> PARK RANGERS RECOVER BODY OF HIKER FROM REMOTE AREA OF GRAND CANYON
Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Park rangers recovered the body of a man from a remote > area in the Toroweap/Tuweep area on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National > Park. The National Park Service (NPS) received a call last night at > approximately 6:00 p.m. from an NPS volunteer at Tuweep who had received a > report of a deceased hiker near the Lava Falls Route.
Five male hikers started what was to be a day hike to the river on the Lava > Falls Route, a rugged remote route near Tuweep, Arizona. Initial > investigations indicate that one hiker began to feel fatigued and was > running low on water so turned around to hike out. He was last seen by his > friends at approximately 9:00 yesterday morning. The four other hikers > continued their hike, but then later separated – two decided to camp near > the Colorado River last night, the other two hiked out yesterday afternoon.
During the course of hiking out the two hikers came upon the body of their > friend, who had left the group earlier in the day, on a point approximately > 100 yards from a parking lot adjacent to where the route begins.
With darkness approaching park rangers were not able to respond by > helicopter and instead drove to the remote location, approximately 3.5 hours > from the North Rim developed area.
Park rangers began a search at first light this morning and located the body > shortly after 7:00 a.m. His body will be transported by helicopter to the > Kingman Airport in northwestern Arizona and transferred to the Mohave County > Medical Examiner who will help determine cause of death.
As with all fatalities that occur within the park, an investigation will be > completed by the National Park Service.
The victim’s name is being withheld, pending positive identification and > notification of next-of-kin.
Park rangers urge hikers, especially when hiking in remote areas of the > park, to be aware of the hazards that exist and to go prepared. The Lava > Falls Route is one of the hottest, steepest routes within Grand Canyon > National Park. It is can be dangerous and is not a hike that is recommended > during hotter times of the year. Hiking information, including trail > conditions and weather, can be obtained on the park’s Web site at > http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm, at one of the park’s > Backcountry Information Center’s or by calling 928-638-7875.
> —
When you post, please change the Subject appropriately, to make reading and searching easier. You can use the following abbreviations: TRIP = Trip Report; BETA = Canyon Beta; PARTNER = Partner and/or Rides; ETHICS = Ethics; TECH = Technical Questions and Tips; BIZ = E Group Business; SALE = Stuff for Sale. Please use a Tilde ~ after the abbreviation, so we know you are coding for us, such as:
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To change your delivery options, go to the Canyons Egroup page on yahoo: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/
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Felicia
Very sad.
Question: if a person in the group is not feeling well, would you let them turn around and return by themselves?
Sent from my iPhone
On Sep 30, 2010, at 5:35 AM, “RAM” adkramoo@aol.com> wrote:
> Can’t image what it would feel like to leave a buddy and have this happen!
> PARK RANGERS RECOVER BODY OF HIKER FROM REMOTE AREA OF GRAND CANYON
Grand Canyon, Ariz. – Park rangers recovered the body of a man from a remote > area in the Toroweap/Tuweep area on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National > Park. The National Park Service (NPS) received a call last night at > approximately 6:00 p.m. from an NPS volunteer at Tuweep who had received a > report of a deceased hiker near the Lava Falls Route.
Five male hikers started what was to be a day hike to the river on the Lava > Falls Route, a rugged remote route near Tuweep, Arizona. Initial > investigations indicate that one hiker began to feel fatigued and was > running low on water so turned around to hike out. He was last seen by his > friends at approximately 9:00 yesterday morning. The four other hikers > continued their hike, but then later separated – two decided to camp near > the Colorado River last night, the other two hiked out yesterday afternoon.
During the course of hiking out the two hikers came upon the body of their > friend, who had left the group earlier in the day, on a point approximately > 100 yards from a parking lot adjacent to where the route begins.
With darkness approaching park rangers were not able to respond by > helicopter and instead drove to the remote location, approximately 3.5 hours > from the North Rim developed area.
Park rangers began a search at first light this morning and located the body > shortly after 7:00 a.m. His body will be transported by helicopter to the > Kingman Airport in northwestern Arizona and transferred to the Mohave County > Medical Examiner who will help determine cause of death.
As with all fatalities that occur within the park, an investigation will be > completed by the National Park Service.
The victim’s name is being withheld, pending positive identification and > notification of next-of-kin.
Park rangers urge hikers, especially when hiking in remote areas of the > park, to be aware of the hazards that exist and to go prepared. The Lava > Falls Route is one of the hottest, steepest routes within Grand Canyon > National Park. It is can be dangerous and is not a hike that is recommended > during hotter times of the year. Hiking information, including trail > conditions and weather, can be obtained on the park’s Web site at > http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/backcountry.htm, at one of the park’s > Backcountry Information Center’s or by calling 928-638-7875.
> —
When you post, please change the Subject appropriately, to make reading and searching easier. You can use the following abbreviations: TRIP = Trip Report; BETA = Canyon Beta; PARTNER = Partner and/or Rides; ETHICS = Ethics; TECH = Technical Questions and Tips; BIZ = E Group Business; SALE = Stuff for Sale. Please use a Tilde ~ after the abbreviation, so we know you are coding for us, such as:
Subject: BIZ~ New Abbreviation List – working?
To change your delivery options, go to the Canyons Egroup page on yahoo: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canyons/
> This will require logging into Yahoo. Click on the "Edit My > Membership" link, and change your delivery option. Press "Save > Changes".
DAILY DIGEST OPTION will deliver one email > to you each day summarizing that day’s messages.
WEB ONLY OPTION will not deliver email; you > must visit the web site to view messages. Groups Links
>