Last Monday teacher Ruth Ross, 56, and her husband Chris, 60, both from Hamilton in Scotland, were hiking the South Lykken trail, in South Palm Springs, when they both began to suffer from dehydration and exhaustion. Both were airlifted off the trail, with Ruth, who was unconscious being taken directly to hospital where she subsequently died. Her husband is still undergoing treatment but is said to be in stable condition. Their children, Philip and Matt are reported to have flown from Scotland to be with their parents.
The hike is reported to have begun at 7:30am, their call to the emergency services was logged at 10:18am, and Ruth was pronounced dead at 12:28pm.
PSFD interim Fire Chief, Blake Goetz, stated the importance of additional precautionary measures when hiking during the Summer:
"Start early to avoid the hotter hours of the day; hike with a buddy; wear long sleeves, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen; stay hydrated; bring snacks; remember to rest; recognize the signs of heat stroke; and take a fully charged cell phone."
Such tragic events befalling Summer visitors to Palm Springs seem to occur far too frequently. More needs to be done to make visitors aware of the above advice.
The hike is reported to have begun at 7:30am, their call to the emergency services was logged at 10:18am, and Ruth was pronounced dead at 12:28pm.
PSFD interim Fire Chief, Blake Goetz, stated the importance of additional precautionary measures when hiking during the Summer:
"Start early to avoid the hotter hours of the day; hike with a buddy; wear long sleeves, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen; stay hydrated; bring snacks; remember to rest; recognize the signs of heat stroke; and take a fully charged cell phone."
Such tragic events befalling Summer visitors to Palm Springs seem to occur far too frequently. More needs to be done to make visitors aware of the above advice.
