Hiker found dead in Texas national park after authorities noticed car left unattended for days

A hiker was found dead in a national park in Texas after authorities discovered the vehicle had been parked for several days and launched a search and rescue operation, officials said.

The body of an unnamed 24-year-old hiker was discovered in Big Bend National Park in Texas on Monday after an air and ground search by National Park Service rangers and the US Border Patrol. According to a statement from the National Park Service, helicopters from the Texas Department of Public Safety and U.S. Customs and Border Protection found the hiker’s remains along the Marufo Vega Trail in the park, according to a statement.

“The day before, park rangers observed a vehicle that had been parked for several days on the Marufo Vega/Strawhouse/Ore Terminal Trail,” the NPS said. “The records show that there were no listed tourists staying overnight in the area on those nights. A quick search by the park pilot failed to locate any tourists in the area.”

On Monday morning, the park’s search and rescue team was mobilized on three different routes and air assets were dispatched to the remote area, authorities said.

“The victim was along the rugged Marufo Vega trail. A Department of Public Safety helicopter was used to remove the body from the remote area,” the NPS said.

The Marufo Vega Trail is “a breathtaking yet challenging 14-mile loop that winds through rugged desert and along craggy limestone cliffs. The lack of shade or water makes this trail dangerous during the warm season,” park officials continue. “Although it is now late October, daytime temperatures along the Rio Grande and Big Bend desert areas remain extreme; about 100 degrees every day. Park rangers want to remind all visitors about the dangers of extreme heat. Hikers should be prepared to bring plenty of water, salty snacks, and plan to hike off-desert trails during the midday heat.”

“Big Bend National Park staff and partners are saddened by this loss,” said Deputy Superintendent Rick Goopman. “Our entire park family extends its condolences to the tourist’s family and friends.”