Los Angeles hiker found dead at Death Valley National Park

A Los Angeles man who was found dead at a trailhead in Death Valley National Park was identified on Thursday. The hiker was confirmed to be Steve Curry, 71, from Sunland, according to the Inyo County Coroner’s Office.

Steve was found collapsed outside of a restroom at Golden Canyon around 3:30 p.m. amid a blistering heatwave as temperatures hit 121°F in the area. National Park Service officials believe Steve had likely just been hiking on the popular trail shortly before he died.

Loved ones describe Steve as an adventurous and warm-hearted man.

"He just had this desire to go there," said Rima Curry, Steve's wife. "He wanted to take this one hike and it did him in. He was a loving man, very good soul, good-hearted, enjoyed people, loved the outdoors."

KTLA's Rick Chambers reports on July 20, 2023.

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[dreamcatcher]

WHY ? Why would you go hiking in extreme heat ? I won't even walk to the mailbox in the heat. 🤦‍♀️

[prdurnion]

It's called Death Valley... not "Mildly Unpleasant Valley" or "Slightly Inconvenient Valley"... there is a reason Military, Emergency Services, Park Rangers and other Forestry Services use a Heat Index. If you're an outdoorsman of any kind, you should also pay attention to the Heat Index. You should also not hike alone, preplan a precise route, bring enough supplies for the trip (i.e. water and electrolyte replenishing foods, portable shelter/shade), inform people of your location and preplanned route, not deviate from said preplanned route, and if you're on medication, be certain to note what effects your medication can have on you (e.g. if it makes you drowsy or dizzy, avoid areas with high elevations and exposure to the elements).

I'm not saying he failed in regards to all of these... indeed, failing just one of them was enough to cost him his life. It's a tragedy that could have been avoided. But it wasn't, and a wife is now a widow. You want to honor his memory? Learn from this.

[ecuadorexpat]

Why any old man would go to Death Valley in the hottest time of the year is beyond me ..😢😢😢😢

[phillipmayhall]

He was 71! What was he thinking when it's 200 degrees in DV, ?!

[pita]

hiking is good but during a heat wave is madness.

[thelogicaldanger]

I hear it in her voice, she told him not to be an idiot, but he selfishly refused to listen. Let's not pretend that doing this kind of dangerous crap (at any age) is anything but selfishness--it's not "pursuing ones dream" or "living life to the fullest" or any of that other crap, its just selfishness.

[eduardovinuesa]

The man was totally irresponsable by going walking in such horrible hot day.

[madreep]

I live in Phoenix, and this year all of our hiking trails are closed while it's been above 115 for weeks cause you can't fix stupid. It's unbelievable how many people go out there then end up calling for search and rescue because of the heat.

[fatfarmers]

He is 71 yes old, has health problems and then went to hike in death Valley in that soaring temperature. Its either he wanted to commit suicide or he lacks common sense.

[williamryan]

71 year old native of California didn't understand Death Valley is a no-go in summer?

[minion]

VERY IRRESPONSIBLE and unnecessary to put his family through all this!!!

[billfeld]

Not the wisdom I would expect from someone that age, at 69yrs old I know my limitations, my condolences to his family and friends!!!!

[timekaschannel]

Is it surprising that he died in Death Valley? I guess it lives up to its name, unfortunately.

[lynnnelson]

Heart problem? His age? The extreme heat? What did he expect?

[cbrashsorensen]

I think it is foolish to portray someone who KNOWINGLY hiked in dangerously high temperatures as some kind of "hero".

[thevoxdeus]

Death Valley wasn't named hyperbolically. It's literally a place that's unfit for human life. Whatever your plan is, you only need one thing to go wrong.

[bluewolf]

Sometime people and animals do not wish to die at home with our loved ones. The pain for the loved ones that finds them is too much to bear, so they unwittingly go off on their own to pass. I wonder if this man knew his time was near and chose to give his partner this one last gift of not being the one to find him.

[ItsClodsire]

I find it very interesting that he was so set on taking that hike that he seemingly ignored his experience and better judgment and knowingly entered himself into a dangerous and life-ending situation. I mean, he HAD to have known it was a risk so it makes me wonder what motivated him, or rather, what was calling to him that he couldn’t resist answering.

[summerfields]

Don't feel sorry for someone who has no common sense. Regardless of a passion, you still need to be cautious and practice safety. I guess his 'love' for the hike outweighed his love for his family. "Hiking in one of the hottest places on with heart 🙄🙄🙄

[Looney_up]

He won't be the last victim to the dangerous heat. Even if your the healthiest person in the world, you shouldn't be hiking in dangerous high heat.