Hiker found dead in Texas National Park after authorities noticed car left unattended for days

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

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

“The day before, park rangers observed a vehicle parked for several days at the trailhead for Marufo Vega/Strawhouse/Ore Terminal Trail,” NPS said. “Records showed there were no backpackers listed for that area for those nights. A quick search by the park pilot turned up no hikers in the area.”

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

“The victim was located along the rugged Marufo Vega Trail. A Ministry of Public Security helicopter was deployed to remove the body from the remote area,” the NPS said.

The Marufo Vega Trail is a “spectacular yet challenging 14-mile loop that winds through rugged desert and along rocky limestone cliffs. No shade or water makes this trail dangerous during the warmer times of the year,” park officials continued. “Even though it is late October, daily temperatures along the Rio Grande and the desert areas of Big Bend remain extreme; almost 100 degrees every afternoon. Park Rangers would like to remind all visitors to be aware of the dangers of extreme heat. Hikers should be prepared to bring plenty of water and salty snacks and to leave desert trails during the heat of the afternoon.”

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