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Louisiana man dies while on hiking trip at the Grand Canyon

A man was hiking along the Bright Angel Trail when he collapsed.

GRAND CANYON JUNCTION, Ariz. — Authorities say a Louisiana man has died while on a multi-day hiking trip at Grand Canyon National Park.

They say 44-year-old Rodney Hatfield of Washington, Louisiana, collapsed Wednesday afternoon on the Bright Angel Trail.

Park officials say Hatfield was returning from Phantom Ranch when he began experiencing difficulty hiking up the trail near Indian Garden. 

He reached Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse before becoming unresponsive and rangers say resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

RELATED: Hiker from Illinois found dead in Grand Canyon

An investigation will be conducted by the National Park Service in coordination with the Coconino County Medical Examiner who will try to determine the cause of Hatfield’s death.

Rangers urge anyone who plans to hike in the canyon to plan accordingly and take extra precautions. Temperatures in summer remain in the mid to upper 90s.

Here are some tips for hiking safely:

  • Visitors hike before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
  • Rest in the shade whenever possible
  • balancing real food, electrolyte, and water intake
  • Stop hiking if you start to feel ill

RELATED: Phoenix firefighters union pushing for change after 2 firefighters hospitalized from back to back trail rescues

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