A summer southwest storm accompanied with lightning near Grand Canyon National Park is the cause of death for a 64-year old woman. Rangers with the park arrived on scene of the Rim Trail where they found CPR in progress on a woman who collapsed after lightning struck near her party. Rangers continued administering CPR, but were unable to revive the woman who was part of a visiting tour group. Five others were also injured and basic first aid was provided. The woman’s name is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
Park officials say this incident is a stark reminder of how devastating summer storms can be. Visitors to the park are reminded that if the sound of thunder follows a lightning flash within 30 seconds or less, you should seek shelter in a building or vehicle or proceed to the nearest bus stop to get on a park shuttle. Remember, “If you see it, flee it; and if you hear it, clear it.”
