Hiker collapses and dies along trail at Texas state park, officials say

A hiker died at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas officials said.

First responders and park rangers responded to a call for rescue on Wednesday, Sept. 7, along the Lighthouse Trail, the Randall County Fire Department said in a release. The trail was closed while crews attempted a “technical rescue.”

It was around 4:20 p.m. when the call came in, TV station KVII reported, but by the time crews located the collapsed hiker, it was too late. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials are not releasing the man’s name until an autopsy has been complete, according to a release by the Randall County Sheriff’s Office.

Known for its captivating geological features, as well as its extreme summer heat, first responders often are sent to Palo Duro Canyon to rescue visitors unprepared for the elements, or who have wandered off trail and into dangerous situations.

Temperatures reached 93 degrees in the area on Wednesday.

McClatchy News has reached out to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for more information.

This story was originally published September 8, 2022 at 2:46 PM with the headline "Hiker collapses and dies along trail at Texas state park, officials say."