by jeffmacewen » May 25 2012 7:23 am
Level 2 Incident Report - Saguaro National Park
May 21, 2012
Subject: Hiking Fatality – Public Visitor
Time and Date: May 21, 2012 1:50 PM (Arizona Standard Time)
Location: Hugh Norris Trail - Tucson Mountain District / Saguaro National Park
Type: AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION
Summary: On May 21, 2012, a hiker fatality occurred on the Hugh Norris trail in Saguaro National Park.
A 35 year old female German National hiking with a hiking partner (also from Germany) on the Hugh Norris trail collapsed approximately 1.3 mile from the trailhead. Her partner attempted to revive her with water to no avail and then ran down the trail to his vehicle and drove to the visitor center to report the incident at 1:50 PM.
A Ranger and personnel from Picture Rocks Fire Department responded to the trailhead and hiked to the location reported. Upon arrival on scene, the victim was expired.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the couple started their hike at 7:00 AM for Wasson Peak and reached the peak at 10:44 AM (Based on time stamp photo of their camera). Later while hiking down the trail, the female reported to her hiking companion that she was not feeling well. Shortly thereafter, she collapsed and became unconscious. Neither was carrying cell phones and help was not readily available. The temperature high for Tucson during this incident was 105 Fahrenheit.
Upon arrival of additional emergency and law enforcement personnel, Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced the time of death at 3:49 PM.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is conducting the lead investigation. The cause of the fatality is under investigation with no further information available.
Subject Name: The subject is a 35 year old female, German National. (Name is withheld until further notice pending notification of next of kin by Pima County Sheriff’s Department).
Status of Case: The case remains under investigation.
Agencies: The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is lead investigative agency investigating the incident with NPS assistance. Picture Rocks Fire Department.
Media: The incident has generated significant media interest at this time (Due to second heat related fatality within three days in the Tucson area).
Contact: Acting Chief Ranger Robert E. Stinson: 520-733-5116 Office
Submitted By: Acting Chief Ranger Robert E. Stinson
AD-AVGVSTA-PER-ANGVSTA