Woman dies while hiking Grand Canyon in 115 degree heat

A backpacker experiencing heat illness while hiking in the Grand Canyon died, the National Parks Service says. The temperature that day was approximately 115°F.

The backpacker, 53-year-old Michelle Meder of Hudson, Ohio, was on a multi-day trip and was hiking down the Hermit trail when she became disoriented. She later became unconscious and responding rangers determined she was dead on Sunday, according to a press release from the parks service.  The cause of death is believed to be heat-related and the parks service is investigating the incident along with the Coconino County Medical Examiner.