Hiker Dies in Grand Canyon NP

National Park Service officials say a call came in to the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Center of a hiker in distress on the North Kaibab Trail, approximately one mile south of Cottonwood Campground.

Before NPS first responders could reach the scene the hiker became unresponsive and bystanders initiated CPR. Attempts to resuscitate the hiker proved unsuccessful.

The victim has been identified as 55-year-old, Ranjith Varma of Manassas, Virginia who was intending to hike from the South to North Rim (Rim-to-Rim) in a single day.