A woman reported unconscious on a Ramona trail died Tuesday after possibly suffering a heat stroke, county officials said.
Lynn Thu Tran, a 19-year-old from Escondido, was airlifted Monday from a Cedar Creek Falls trail to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, according to a medical examiner's report.
A spokesperson with the Sheriff's Department said Tran was hiking with her family when she became unconscious.
Her cause of death is listed as Hyperthermia due to environmental exposure.
Sheriff's Department officials say the tragedy was the result of the excessive heat San Diego's deserts are currently experiencing.
Highs in the desert have reached 118 degrees this week. The excessive heat is expected to remain until Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
"Conditions like heat stroke or heat exhaustion are possible, especially if engaging in strenuous outdoor activities," the service said. "This weather could be deadly for unprepared campers or hikers.''
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Tran's death was by far the most severe of incidents to happen during this most recent heat wave. However the county has been on high watch for other heat-related emergencies.
On Tuesday, two distressed hikers called 911. The couple was given water, and they were able to make it back on their own. Rescue crews did have to help the couple's dog though.
At about the same time on Tuesday, the rescue crew came across a 79-year-old man sitting against a rock and complaining of weakness and dizziness. He was transported via ambulance to the hospital for treatment.
The man and the dog are both expected to recover.
In total this year, the Sheriff's Department has performed four rescues at the Cedar Creek Falls trails.
"No matter your level of health, anyone needs to be careful of the dangers of walking in the heat," read a statement from the department. "Take it easy when temperatures are this hot. Move your exercise indoors or schedule any outdoor activity for early morning or evening to avoid the real heat of the day.
"It's also important to remember your pets and ensure they are not over exposed to heat and have plenty of water," the statement continued.
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