Cedar Rapids hiker dies amid extreme Colorado heat

A Cedar Rapids woman collapsed and died this week while hiking on the Lower Monument Canyon Trail in Colorado as extreme heat enveloped much of the West.

The National Park Service identified the hiker as Marsha Cook, 54, of Cedar Rapids. It said that about 2:30 p.m. local time Monday, its staff received a report that a hiker lost consciousness 2 miles up the Lower Monument Canyon Trail. First responders began CPR, but Cook died at the scene.

The park service said the Mesa County Coroner’s Office will investigate and determine the cause and manner of death.

However, a “heat dome” over much of the Western United States has been driving temperatures much higher than usual for June. A heat dome is sort of like putting a lid on a hot pan on the stove — a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere traps in the already hot temperatures and make them worse.

“Hiking in hot weather can lead to serious health risks including heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” the park service said in announcing Cook’s death. “Daytime temperatures in Colorado National Monument have exceeded 90 degrees in the past week, and hot weather is expected throughout the summer. Hikers should plan to hike in early morning or late afternoon, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., to reduce exposure to heat.”