Authorities in Phoenix say a hiker was discovered dead on a local mountain on Sunday afternoon.
Phoenix firefighters received a call around noon regarding an unresponsive man on a hiking trail in Deems Hills Recreational Park. First responders headed to the area near 50th Avenue and Happy Valley Road, where they found the victim, who could not be revived.
On Monday, officials identified the man as 47-year-old Kevin Lurito, and they say he died while hiking, although the cause of death has not been determined yet. A medical examiner will confirm whether or not his death was heat-related.
The National Weather Service reports temperatures reached about 105 degrees around noon on Sunday. Deem Hills Recreational Area is situated near Interstate 17 and Happy Valley Road, and the hiking trails there vary in difficulty level and length/distance.
The investigation into this tragedy continues. Please visit the official page of the Phoenix Fire Department HERE for updates and more information.
Photo: hikeandbikephoenix.com