Three elderly hikers have died due to apparent heat-related causes while navigating trails in the Grand Canyon. These incidents occurred as temperatures soared above 100 degrees. The National Park Service reported two separate incidents on June 12 and June 16.

“In both cases, the deceased hikers were hiking trails in the Inner Canyon, where temperatures can exceed 109 F in the shade during midday hours,” the statement said.

On June 12, a 72-year-old man was found dead on the South Kaibab Trail, with heat-related symptoms being the suspected cause. On June 16, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman were discovered deceased on the North Kaibab Trail. Emergency responders confirmed that the hikers were already dead upon arrival.

The causes of death are still under investigation but are believed to be heat-related. The hikers were sent to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s office for further examination.

Earlier this month, a teenager also succumbed to heat-related causes during a day hike from the South Rim to the Colorado River. The emergency team launched a helicopter rescue operation, eventually discovering the teen in a remote area about 30 feet below the trail.

These incidents highlight the dangers of hiking in extreme temperatures. Last year, another elderly man died while attempting to reach the Colorado River for an overnight stay at Phantom Ranch.