Tragic Hiking Deaths in Big Bend National Park Due to Extreme Heat

A Florida man and his 14-year-old stepson died while hiking the Marufo Vega Trail in Big Bend National Park, Texas, in extreme heat. The 31-year-old man had been hiking with his two stepsons, ages 14 and 21, when the 14-year-old became sick and lost consciousness. The stepfather hiked back to his vehicle while the boy’s older brother tried to carry him back to the trailhead. The 14-year-old died, and authorities later found the father's vehicle had crashed over an embankment at Boquillas Overlook, where he was pronounced dead. The park service warns hikers to be off the trails in the afternoon, stay hydrated, and limit exposure.