24-Year-Old Hiker Found Dead on Big Bend's Rugged Marufo Vega Trail

The hiker's body was discovered after park rangers noticed a car parked for days, prompting a search amid extreme temperatures.

National Park Service and U.S. Border Patrol launched a search after an unattended vehicle was spotted at the trailhead.
The Marufo Vega Trail is known for its challenging 14-mile loop through rugged desert and rocky cliffs, lacking shade and water.
Temperatures in the area reached nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making conditions perilous even in late October.
Officials have not released the identity of the hiker or the specific cause of death, but heat exposure is a suspected factor.
Big Bend National Park staff expressed condolences and reminded visitors of the dangers posed by extreme heat.