Canadian hiker dies on Grand Canyon trail after hiking down to Colorado River

Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY
·2 min read
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A Canadian woman died while hiking on a trail at the Grand Canyon National Park, officials said.

Melanie Goodine, a 41-year-old woman from Ottawa, Ontario, was hiking on the Bright Angel Trail, above Three-Mile Resthouse, on June 2 when the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center received reports of "a hiker in distress," the National Park Service said. Goodine had been hiking out of the canyon after hiking to the Colorado River earlier that day.

After park officials were notified of Goodine's condition, she "became unresponsive and bystanders initiated CPR." Search and rescue personnel responded to the scene and attempted to resuscitate Goodine, but attempted were unsuccessful and she died.

The Bright Angel Trail as seen from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
The Bright Angel Trail as seen from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

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The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular hiking trail into the Grand Canyon, according to the NPS. The trail is advertised as an "excellent first trip into the canyon," but all trails are steep and difficult.

Hikers are advised to consult a park ranger and check for information on inner canyon conditions before hiking down to the Colorado River. It is not recommended as a day hike due to the distance, change in elevation and extreme temperature changes.

Joelle Baird, a spokesperson with Grand Canyon National Park, told CNN temperatures where Goodine was hiking were around 95-to-104 degrees Fahrenheit. On Sunday, NPS warned inner canyon temperatures could reach 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

"All visitors to Grand Canyon should ensure they are drinking plenty of fluids, resting in shade during the heat of the day, watching for signs of distress in traveling companions, and dressing appropriately for the weather, which includes light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. The NPS does not recommend hiking from the rim to the river and back in one day," the NPS said in the statement.

The NPS and the Coconino County Medical Examiner are investigating the incident.

Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Canadian hiker dies at Grand Canyon after hiking down Colorado River