Hiker runs out of water, collapses on blazing Death Valley trek, rescuers say

A hiker who ran out of water after finding his exit route blocked called for help after collapsing and sliding down a scree in Death Valley, California rescuers reported.

The man, a Panamint Springs Resort worker in Death Valley National Park with extensive experience hiking in the desert, went for a hike to Panamint Butte on Tuesday, Aug. 13, rangers said in an Aug. 16 news release.

He started at 4 a.m. to avoid the summer heat, rangers said.

In a post to Facebook, hiker Richard Mulligan said he also brought 9 liters of water, which should have been sufficient for his planned hike.

Upon reaching the peak following an 8.5-mile hike, he tried to return through a slot canyon but found his way blocked by a descent requiring ropes and climbing gear, rangers said.

He backtracked and tried to descend another route but ran out of water at about 4:30 p.m., rangers said.

“I was starting to feel weaker and weaker, until eventually I completely lost consciousness, and began sliding down,” Mulligan wrote on Facebook. “I awoke to me about 20-30 feet lower than the last time I was conscious, with my head severely aching and against a big (boulder).”

Concerned that he had a concussion, Mulligan activated his Garmin device for help. The alert came in about 6 p.m., rangers said.

A U.S. Navy helicopter rescued him at about 11:15 p.m. after a delay to check an alarm on the aircraft, rangers said.

“This sort of thing could happen to absolutely anyone,” Mulligan wrote on Facebook. “Please be prepared for the worst out there, and of course bring way more water than you need.”

Beating the heat

When temperatures are extremely high, some people’s bodies can have trouble regulating temperature.

In some cases, people can experience heat exhaustion and have muscle cramps, nausea, weakness and cold or clammy skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If heat exhaustion persists for too long, however, it can lead to heatstroke, the most serious form of heat injury. People experiencing heatstroke can have hot, red, dry or damp skin. They also can have a fast and strong pulse, and they can become confused. People should move indoors immediately and call 911 right away if they have symptoms.

If people choose to hike or be outdoors in dangerously hot temperatures, officials recommend the following tips:

• Carry and drink plenty of water and plan to replenish electrolytes.

• Eat twice as much food as normal and have salty foods on hand.

• Carry a first-aid kit.

• Pack essentials only.

• Bring a flashlight with spare batteries to hike during the cool evening.

• Spray yourself with water to cool down.

• Have a hat and sunscreen as protection from the sun.

• Have a whistle or signal for emergency use.

• Wear waterproof clothing if needed.

This story was originally published August 18, 2024 at 2:55 PM with the headline "Hiker runs out of water, collapses on blazing Death Valley trek, rescuers say."