Authorities claim they have uncovered a deceased hiker on the rocky Marufo Vega Trail.
At Big Bend National Park in Texas, authorities said Monday that they had discovered the death of a 24-year-old hiker in a secluded location along one of the park’s roughest routes.
The hiker, whose identity has not been made public, was discovered on the 14-mile Marufo Vega Trail, which winds over high cliffs and arid desert, according to the National Park Service (NPS).
There was no immediate cause of death given.
“Records indicated that there were no overnight backpackers listed for that area for those nights,” the National Park Service stated. “A quick search by the park pilot was unable to locate hikers in the area.”
According to authorities, a search and rescue crew searched three distinct paths on Monday while aircraft passed over the isolated region. The corpse was taken from the scene by a Texas Department of Public Safety aircraft after the victim was found on the Marufo Vega Trail.
“This loss saddens Big Bend National Park staff and partners,” Deputy Superintendent Rick Gupman stated. “Our entire park family extends condolences to the hiker’s family and friends.”
Park authorities characterized the path as “spectacular yet challenging,” cautioning that the absence of water and shade makes it hazardous during the warmer months.
“Even though it is late October, daily temperatures along the Rio Grande and desert areas of Big Bend remain extreme; close to 100 degrees each afternoon,” the National Park Service stated.
Authorities urged tourists to plan to leave the desert paths by the afternoon and to stay mindful of the risks associated with intense heat. They also advised them to pack lots of water and salty snacks.
