One Hiker Dead, Others Rescued; Sheriff's Department Warns of Extreme Heat Dangers

The Sheriff's Department is reminding the public to take a few precautions during this excessive heat warning after a hiker died and others had to be rescued from Cedar Creek Falls recently.

On July 9 at 5:30 p.m., a 19‐year‐old woman was found unconscious with possible signs of heat stroke. She was transported via Mercy Air to Palomar Hospital where death was pronounced shortly upon arrival after. The San Diego County Medical Examiner identified the woman as Lynn Thu Tran from Escondido.

Tran was hiking in Cedar Creek Falls when she felt ill and later became unresponsive, according to the Medical Examiner's Office. Her death was caused by hyperthermia due to environmental exposure.

On July 10, Aerial Support to Regional Enforcement Agencies (ASTREA) responded to a call of two distressed hikers with a dog at 2:30 p.m. The couple only needed water and was able to walk back on their own, but their dog needed rescue, according to a press release from the Sheriff's Department.

While transporting the dog, ASTREA was flagged down by another group of hikers. The rescue crew found a 79‐year‐old man sitting against a rock complaining of weakness and dizziness. He was hoisted to an ambulance at a nearby CALFIRE station, according to the Sheriff's Department. The man and the dog will recover.

Since January, ASTREA has performed four rescues at Cedar Creek Falls.

An excessive heat warning for San Diego County's desert areas remained in effect for a second day today, when highs are forecast to climb well above 100 degrees. The National Weather Service says "conditions like heat stroke or heat exhaustion are possible, especially if engaging in strenuous outdoor activities. This weather could be deadly for unprepared campers or hikers.''

The Sheriff's Search and Rescue Unit is reminding people to move any exercise indoors or schedule any outdoor activity for early morning or evening. It's also important to remember your pets and ensure they are not over exposed to heat and have plenty of water.

Other safety tips include:

• Buddy up: Walk or exercise with a partner. It's fun and it's safer. If something happens along
  the way, you'll have someone at your side to help.
• Phone home: Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Your cell phone could provide a necessary connection to emergency assistance.
• Drink up: stay hydrated before, during and after exercise
• Dress for the heat: wear lightweight, light‐colored and breathable clothing. Bring a hat and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen.
• Take regular breaks: find some shade or a cool place to stop.
• Head inside: if the heat seems overwhelming, don't sweat it.