A tragic incident unfolded on a Phoenix hiking trail on Tuesday when a 10-year-old boy succumbed to heat-related complications. The Phoenix Fire Department responded to a distress call around 2 p.m. from South Mountain, where the young boy was reported to be in distress due to the heat.
The boy was discovered approximately a mile up the trail. Phoenix Fire Captain Shaun DuBois stated that the child was airlifted to a nearby hospital for immediate medical attention. The boy was reportedly hiking with relatives, possibly visitors from out of town, and they had been on the trail since around 9:30 a.m.
In a late-night update, the Phoenix Police Department confirmed the boy’s death at the hospital. His identity has not been disclosed. The incident has sparked a conversation about the risks of hiking in Arizona’s intense summer heat.
Mark Sakowicz, a witness to the incident, expressed his sympathy for the family. He emphasized the importance of making responsible decisions, especially when it comes to children’s safety. He suggested that while the intention might have been to provide the child with an enjoyable experience outdoors, the extreme heat made it a dangerous choice.
The day of the incident was particularly hot for the Phoenix area. The National Weather Service reported that the morning low at Sky Harbor was a record-breaking 92°F, surpassing the previous record of 90°F set in 2010. The day’s high reached a sweltering 113°F, six degrees above the average temperature.
In light of the incident, the Phoenix Fire Department is urging hikers to exercise caution. Captain DuBois pointed out that some trails on South Mountain can be challenging, especially for inexperienced hikers or those unfamiliar with the area. He noted that while some hiking trails in Phoenix close when temperatures exceed 105°F, South Mountain does not have such restrictions.