The bodies of two women were discovered in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada on Saturday, July 22.
Embarking on a trail within the park during the morning hours, the women failed to return at the anticipated time, prompting a group of fellow hikers to alert authorities.
Investigative efforts began around 2:45 pm, led by the Nevada State Police. Their search led to a somber finding: one of the women was found deceased on a hiking trail. Given the severity of the situation, park rangers called in a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police search and rescue team for aid. The second woman was later found in a canyon, deceased as well, according to police reports.
The women’s identities remain undisclosed as authorities await official confirmation of their cause of death.
Located about 45 minutes northeast of Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire State Park experienced blistering heat on that day, with temperatures reaching triple digits.
This incident came shortly after the death of a 71-year-old hiker in Death Valley National Park.
As Las Vegas continues to grapple with an unforgiving heatwave, the Clark County Coroner’s Office disclosed at least 16 confirmed heat-related deaths earlier in the week, with the total casualties potentially being higher.
In the face of such extreme weather, authorities in Southern Nevada have issued an excessive heat warning and are advising locals to exercise caution and curtail outdoor activities.