A man died suddenly while hiking a popular Northern California trail, leading officials to issue an urgent heat warning as temperatures rise.
Brent Leuschen, 60, of nearby Davis, was on a remote part of the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve trail system on Sunday when authorities received a 911 call about a hiker in distress.
The Vacaville Fire Protection District responded, along with air medical support, after receiving the call around 12:20 p.m.
“Despite immediate lifesaving efforts by first responders and assisting hikers, the individual was pronounced deceased after being transported to the Canyon Creek Resort area,” the VFPD said in a statement.
The hiking trail, located near Lake Berryessa in Solano County, saw temperatures climb into the 90s on Sunday, prompting the National Weather Service to warn residents in the region about the heat.
In its statement, the VFPD urged hikers to check weather conditions, carry and drink plenty of water, and to consider carrying an emergency communication device due to a possibility of a lack of data coverage.
As temperatures rise, we want to remind everyone that hiking in Solano County’s open spaces can be strenuous and potentially dangerous, especially during periods of extreme heat. Even experienced hikers can quickly experience heat-related illness.
Last summer, officials warned hikers to avoid the Stebbins Cold Canyon trail if they are not experienced or if the temperature climbed above 85 degrees, due to its 1,300 feet elevation and lack of shade.
The Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve is operated by the University of California, Davis and is primarily dedicated to teaching and research.
