Phoenix firefighters are warning residents about dangers of hiking in extreme heat following the tragic death of 10-year-old Cortinez Logan.
Just before 3 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a call at a South Mountain trailhead and initiated life-saving measures on Logan. Police helicopter pilots assisted the Fire Department with an active mountain rescue and airlifted the young hiker from the mountain to an awaiting ambulance.
Logan later died at a local hospital.
According to Phoenix police, the Logan family had recently moved to Phoenix from Missouri. Investigators believe the family may have been on the trail in triple-digit heat for up to five hours.
Phoenix Fire Captain Shaun Dubois emphasized the risks associated with hiking in high temperatures, particularly for those unfamiliar with the area.
“Some of these trails on South Mountain are pretty difficult,” said Dubois. “They’re pretty long and if you’re an inexperienced hiker, potentially from out of town, you may or may not be aware of the level of difficulty or how long those trails are.”
Dubois stressed the importance of seeking shade, staying hydrated and minimizing sun exposure to prevent heat-related incidents.
