16-year-old Arizona boy Scout collapses and dies while on a hiking trip to Picacho Peak
A 16-year-old boy from Arizona died while he was on a hike with a Boy Scout group on April 27, authorities reveal.
The Pinal County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the teen was identified as Joshua White. His obituary stated that White was an active member of the Boy Scout Troop 99.
Apart from being a Boy Scout, White was a student volunteer at the Summit Community Church in Buckeye. He attended Estrella Foothills High School in Goodyear. White was also a player in the school's junior varsity football team.
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office revealed that White was hiking with a group to the top of Picacho Peak between Phoenix and Tucson. Though the group had water, they ran out when they got to the top of the mountain. And while hiking down the teen started to exhibit signs of extreme dehydration, officials stated. The family of the deceased teen said that he and fellow scouts were experienced hikers "fully prepared" for their planned activities, according to Tucson.com.
The other members of the group called for help and though emergency responders tried to resuscitate the boy they were unsuccessful. The Sheriff's Office pronounced White dead at the scene.
The Grand Canyon Council of the Boy Scouts is "deeply saddened by the death," CEO Andy Price revealed in a written statement. "This is a very difficult time for our Scouting family." He also said that there are grief counselors available for youth members and adult leaders.
"We offer our sincerest condolences to his family, and we will support them in any way that we can," Price said. "Please join us in keeping his family and friends everywhere in your thoughts and prayers."
The Boy Scouts of America website also offers warnings about the dangers of heat and the importance of keeping hydrated while hiking. The website states that ignoring safety precautions might lead to illness and death.
The Boy Scouts of America website also mentions other heat-related incidents involving Scouts that includes a 17-year-old boy who passed away during a 20-mile hike. Michael Sclawy-Adelman the 17-year-old, collapsed and died while he was halfway through a hike in the Florida Everglades in May 2009, reports The Sun-Sentinel.