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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — A female hiker died after she collapsed and lost consciousness in Colorado National Monument earlier this week.
The woman, identified as Marsha Cook, 54, died on Monday afternoon.
Staff with Colorado National Monument received a report about 2:27 p.m. on Monday that Cook had collapsed and lost consciousness 2 miles up Lower Monument Canyon Trail, according to investigators.
National Park Service rangers, Lower Valley Fire crew members, Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff, and Mesa County Search and Rescue team members immediately responded. Family and first responders initiated CPR, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. Cook died at the scene.
Cook was from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Her cause of death will be determined by the Mesa County Coroner's Office.
Investigators also warned about the heat hitting the parts of the U.S. this summer.
"Hiking in hot weather can lead to serious health risks including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 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," the statement said.
In Utah, a heat advisory will remain in effect across the Wasatch Front and northwest Utah through Friday morning.
