Teen, 14, dies on hiking trail as stepdad also dies while searching for help

26 June 2023 , 09:59

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The stepdad is believed to have crashed his car while seeking assistance for his stepson (Image: Getty Images)

A desperate stepdad died in a car crash while trying to save his 14-year-old stepson, after the teen fell ill on a scorching hot trail in Texas.

Park Rangers and US Border Patrol Agents responded to calls of a young man falling ill and losing consciousness at about 7.30pm on Friday, June 23.

The 14-year-old's brother, 21, was present at the time but nothing could be done to save the teen. A search for the father was then prompted and authorities pronounced him dead at the scene when they discovered his crashed car over the embankment at the Boquillas Overlook, near the Marufo Vega Trail used by hikers in Big Bend National Park.

All three were visiting the park from Florida, reports said.

Temperatures in the park on Friday were over 119 Fahrenheit (48C) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In a statement, park officials said: "On Friday, June 23 at approximately 6pm, Big Bend National Park’s Communications Center received a call requesting emergency assistance along the Marufo Vega Trail.

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"A father and his two stepsons from Florida were hiking the Marufo Vega Trail in extreme heat.

"The youngest, age 14, fell ill along the trail and lost consciousness. The father departed the scene to hike back to their vehicle to find help while the other brother, aged 21, attempted to carry his brother back to the trailhead."

The National Park Service has warned people to avoid hiking in temperatures exceeding 110 Fahrenheit (43C) and said hikers should be "off trails" in the afternoon.

Temperatures in the park on Friday were over 119 Fahrenheit (48C).

Officials added: "The Marufo Vega Trail winds through extremely rugged desert and rocky cliffs within the hottest part of Big Bend National Park.

"No shade or water makes this strenuous trail dangerous to attempt in the heat of summer. Big Bend is currently experiencing extreme heat with daily highs reaching 110-119F at low elevations and along the Rio Grande."

Neither of the victims was identified and the incident remains under investigation.

Benjamin Lynch