Man dies from heat-related illness while hiking at Grand Canyon

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) - Officials in Arizona say an 18-year-old man died Wednesday afternoon after suffering from a heat-related illness while hiking in the Grand Canyon.

First responders were called to an area below Havasupai Gardens on the Bright Angel Trail just after 2 p.m.

Service rangers responded and found the man about 30 feet below the trail in a remote area near Garden Creek.

Despite a rapid response from rangers and a coordinated helicopter rescue operation, the man died.

Officials said the 18-year-old had been on a day hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River and back on the Bright Angel Trail.

The man was not immediately identified as officials said they were working to contact his family.

High temperatures surpassed 100 degrees at the Grand Canyon this week, with a red flag warning issued for the area on Saturday.