NPS – Death in Death Valley (August 18, 2021)

[TacoLand]

Reposted from Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DeathValleyNPS/...8755028370

According to reports, the approximate high temperature in DVNP the day this occurred was 109º. 

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Death Valley National Park

Press Release – On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, Mr. Lawrence Stanback, 60, of San Francisco, California, died while hiking near Red Cathedral along the Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park. 

National park staff received a report of suspected heat stroke and CPR in progress at 1:40 p.m. An inter-agency search and rescue was initiated, with park rangers responding on foot locating Mr. Stanback and confirming that he was deceased.  

California Highway Patrol Inland Division Air Operations helicopter H-80 responded to assist with the recovery, but winds were too strong to safely land. In the cooler evening hours, national park staff were able to safely complete the recovery. The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and Inyo County Coroner are investigating the cause of death.  

Park rangers urge summer travelers to visit Death Valley safely by hiking only before 10 a.m. or at high elevations, drinking plenty of water, eating snacks, and by staying close to an air-conditioned building or vehicle to cool down in.

[MojaveGeek]

Another sad one, but thanks for posting.

[TacoLand]

Add a second hiker & recent death in DVNP to the list ... 

Reposted from Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/DeathValleyNPS/...9807484598

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We are saddened to report a second hiker fatality along the Golden Canyon trail within a week.

Press Release -- On Saturday, August 22, 2021, Mr. Blake Chaplin, 52, of Leawood, Kansas, was found deceased near the Manly Beacon formation along the Golden Canyon Trail in Death Valley National Park.

National park staff received a report from an early morning hiker who discovered Mr. Chaplin next to the trail. Park rangers responded and confirmed the report. No helicopters were available to assist, so national park staff search and rescue team members hiked in to recover the body. The Inyo County Sheriff’s Office and Inyo County Coroner are investigating the cause of death; foul play is not suspected.

Temperatures on August 21st and 22nd reached 109 degrees, which is below the daily normal of 115 degrees. Although these temperatures may be cooler compared to a typical Death Valley summer day, precautions should still be taken while visiting in the heat.

Park rangers urge summer travelers to visit Death Valley safely by limiting strenuous activity (such as hiking) to the relatively cooler morning hours (ending hikes before 10 a.m.), drinking plenty of water, eating salty snacks, and staying close to air conditioning. Incredible scenery can be viewed from vistas and overlooks within a few minutes’ walk from a vehicle.

[Candace66]

I wonder if he fell while trying to climb Manly Beacon?

[DeathValleyDazed]

I wonder if he fell while trying to climb Manly Beacon?

Highly probable. A coroner's report might reveal heaps of road rash, broken bones and head trauma vs heart attack or stroke, but could have. beern both? 

My third time up on top of Manly Beacon was October 2018 and most likely will be my last because thoughts of ending up like this poor fellow were running through my head scrambling up and down that steep and narrow ridge with poor purchase points. Not the most strenuous of DEVA climbs but for me the scariest because at the most razor edge spots once one looses the battle with gravity it's a grind, literally. It's sure doable with decent boots and average arm and leg strength. Those blue gripping work gloves from Home Depot really help with traction and purchase on the crumblies. I'd never get on top if it's windy, one big gust and good by goofy. 

This video has some perspective on Manly Beacon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRGc3PvvlAI

This one from 2015 has some GoPro helmet mount shots that give a better feel for scaling Manly Beacon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7vbpVetE4I