A woman has died after suffering a heat-related medical emergency while hiking in Maryland over the weekend, fire officials say.
Rachel Parkerson, 32, of Severn, Maryland, died while hiking on Billy Goat Trail on Saturday. Her death was attributed to hyperthermia, United States Park Police said in a news release.
Montgomery County rescue workers were called to the trail in the C&O Canal Park at about 1:55 p.m. Saturday to help an injured hiker.
They found Parkerson near the edge of the Potomac River suffering from a heat-related medical emergency and swift water rescue teams helped her.
A U.S. Park Police helicopter flew Parkerson to a hospital in critical condition.
On Sunday, fire officials said she died.
The Billy Goat Trail was closed Sunday for excessive heat.
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Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Dangerous heat has gripped the D.C. region for days with feels-like temperatures exceeding 110 in some areas on Saturday and Sunday.
Heat is the top weather-related killer in the U.S. At least three other people have died in Maryland this year from heat-related causes, NBC News reported.
An excessive heat warning is in effect until 9 p.m. Sunday. Officials recommend staying hydrated, staying in the shade and taking it easy with outdoor activities if you have to go outside during the extreme heat. Otherwise, it's advisable to stay indoors in air conditioned buildings.
CLARIFICATION (July 22, 2019): An earlier version of this story said the woman was hiking in Great Falls. She was in C&O Canal Park, near Great Falls.
Stay with News4 and NBCWashington for updates.
