Twentynine Palms, California – At 7:00 pm on Saturday, September 5, 2020, a 20-year-old male was reported to be unconscious and in need of immediate aid in the Turkey Flats area of Joshua Tree National Park. The call was made by his hiking companion. Searchers located the man near the base of Pinto Mountain at approximately 11:30 pm. Joshua Tree National Park staff administered CPR to the unresponsive patient but were unable to revive the man. He was pronounced dead at 9:00 am on September 6 by the Riverside County Coroner. Riverside County Sheriff's Department will be leading the investigation.

The hiker’s body was airlifted by Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Efforts were aided by Riverside County Fire, Joshua Tree Search and Rescue (JOSAR), and American Medical Response. Temperatures in the area were estimated to have reached approximately 120 degrees.

Park officials advise exercising caution when hiking, and always carrying more water than you think you will need. Hikers are encouraged to recreate early in the day and be vigilant in extreme heat conditions.