News Release

Hiker Fatality in the Chisos Mountains

Date: October 7, 2019
Contact: Tom VandenBerg, 432-477-1107

BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TX – At approximately 12:30 pm on Saturday, October 5th, Big Bend National Park was notified that a solo hiker had collapsed and stopped breathing near the Emory Peak Trail junction in the Chisos Mountains. Bystanders performed CPR for several hours before a team of park rangers and U.S. Border Patrol arrived on scene to assist. Attempts to revive the subject were unsuccessful.

The individual was identified as a 73-year old male from Austin, Texas who loved hiking in the national parks. “Big Bend National Park staff and partners are saddened by this loss” stated acting Superintendent Tom VandenBerg, “and our entire park family extends sincere condolences to the hiker’s family and friends.”