[BREAKING] 3 hikers die of suspected heat-related illness during rising temperatures at Grand Canyon

Three hikers died from apparent heat-related illnesses in the Grand Canyon on two separate days last week in the canyon's interior, where temperatures can exceed 109 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade during the midday hours, federal officials said Friday.

A 72-year-old man became sick from the heat on June 12 while hiking the South Kaibab Trail and died before rescue crews could reach him.

Four days later, a 67-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman also appeared to suffer heat-related illnesses while hiking the North Kaibab Trail and died before help arrived, the U.S.

National Park Service said in a statement.

Despite a quick response and air support, all three hikers were dead when first responders reached them, the park service said.

The Grand Canyon has seen an increase in heat-related illnesses in recent weeks and urged hikers inside the canyon to stay off the trails between the hours of 10 a.m.

and 10 p.m.

m.

and 4 p.m.

m., park officials said.

The bodies were taken to the Coconino County medical examiner's office and investigations into the deaths are ongoing, the National Park Service said.

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