Visitor found dead at White Sands National Park over 4th of July weekend
A man was found dead at White Sands National Park in an off-trail area on July 6 following a search over July 4th weekend.
White Sands’ park rangers initiated a search after locating an unoccupied vehicle in the park over July 4th weekend. At 11:02 a.m. on July 6, the man's body was found. The man's name has not been released.
New Mexico State Police are investigating the man's death, a White Sands National Park news release states.
In light of the incident, White Sands National Park advised those planning to visit the Park and hike the trails to be cautious of high heat during the summer.
"During the extreme summer heat, it is critical to be prepared and know your limitations," the news release states. "For summer hiking at White Sands, the park recommends starting in the coolest part of the day, early morning or early evening. We recommend that visitors not start a hike when the temperature is at or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no shade or water along any of the trails in the park."
From July 2021:Moriarty man found dead at White Sands National Park over Fourth of July weekend
How to hike safely at White Sands National Park
White Sands National Park also asks hikers to bring no less than one gallon of water per person per day and high energy snacks and to wear a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and long pants to help protect skin from the sun.
"Always have a plan when you hike. Carry a cell phone and tell someone who is not in your party where you are hiking and when you plan to return. If you are lost, stop and stay where you are and call 911," the news release states.
White Sands National Park worked with White Sands Missile Range, U.S. Army, Holloman Air Force Base, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico Search and Rescue, and affiliated groups in the search and recovery operation.
Information on safety precautions and active safety alerts can be found here on the White Sands National Park website, on the National Park Service Mobile App or by calling the Park at 575-479-6124.
Nicole Maxwell can be contacted by email at nmaxwell@alamogordonews.com, by phone at 575-415-6605 or on Twitter at @nicmaxreporter. If you have questions about your subscription, please contact Customer Service at AlamogordoDailyNews@Gannett.com or call 1-877-301-0013.
This article originally appeared on Alamogordo Daily News: Visitor found dead at White Sands National Park on 4th of July weekend
