A 71-year-old outdoor enthusiast from Southern California, Steve Curry, tragically died on Tuesday after collapsing during a lengthy hike in Death Valley National Park, known as the world’s hottest place. Officials believe that Curry’s death was due to heat-related causes.
Curry’s collapse occurred just hours after he had spoken to a reporter from The Los Angeles Times about hiking in intense heat while he was taking a break in the scarce shade under a metal interpretive sign. When asked why he hiked under such harsh conditions, Curry simply replied, “Why not?”
Later that day, Curry collapsed outside the restroom at Golden Canyon. A park visitor dialed 911, and rangers tried to save him, but unfortunately, they were unable to do so. “He went having accomplished something he wanted to do. He wanted to go to Death Valley. He wanted to do a hike,” said Rima Evans Curry, Curry’s wife.
Death Valley National Park, which spans a portion of Central California’s border with Nevada, is infamous for being the hottest place on Earth. Over the weekend, temperatures soared to a blistering 128 degrees Fahrenheit (53 degrees Celsius) at Furnace Creek, according to the National Weather Service.
Curry, a member of a rock climbing group and wilderness training courses, was an avid hiker. The temperature at the Furnace Creek Visitor’s Center showed 121 degrees around the time he completed his hike.
Curry, who worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District and as an electrician before retiring ten years ago, loved the outdoors and often spent time outside whenever possible. Evans Curry fondly remembered her husband’s passion for the outdoors, stating, “He was always happiest when he could be out there sleeping under the stars. That was his joy.”
Curry is the second hiker to die in the park this month.