Abandoned car leads park rangers to body in White Sands National Park, officials say
Park rangers found an abandoned car in a New Mexico national park and started looking for who left it.
Rangers at White Sands National Park found a car with no one inside over the holiday weekend, the National Park Service said. The car seemed to have been left behind, officials said, and park rangers started a search.
Search and rescue teams found a man’s body off-trail in the national park on Tuesday, July 6, according to the National Park Service.
Officials did not say what may have caused the man’s death, but the New Mexico State Police are investigating. The man’s identity was not disclosed.
“During the extreme summer heat, it is critical to be prepared and know your limitations,” park rangers said in a July 8 news release. “For summer hiking at White Sands, the park recommends starting in the coolest part of the day, early morning or early evening.”
Park officials said hikers shouldn’t start a trek if it’s hotter than 85 egress. There’s no shade or water on trails in White Sands National Park.
Beating the heat
When temperatures are extremely high, some people can have trouble regulating their body temperature, McClatchy News reported.
In some cases, people can experience heat exhaustion. The condition can cause muscle cramps, nausea, weakness and cold or clammy skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If heat exhaustion persists for too long, it can lead to heatstroke, the most serious form of heat injury. People experiencing heat stroke can have hot, red, dry or damp skin. They have a fast and strong pulse, and they can become confused. People should move indoors immediately and call 911 right away if they have these symptoms.
If people are going to hike or be outdoors in dangerously hot temperatures, officials recommend the following tips:
Carry and drink plenty of water and plan to replenish electrolytes
Eat twice as much food as normal and have salty foods on hand
Carry a first-aid kit
Pack essentials only
Bring a flashlight with spare batteries to hike during the cool evening
Spray yourself with water to cool down
Have a hat and sunscreen as protection from the sun
Have a whistle or signal for emergency use
Wear waterproof clothing
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