10-year-old boy dies after becoming overheated on trail in Phoenix

PHOENIX (KPHO/Gray News) — A 10-year-old boy died after being rescued from South Mountain in Phoenix on Tuesday.

Phoenix police identified the boy Wednesday as 10-year-old Cortinez Logan. Authorities say he and his family recently moved to Phoenix from Missouri.

Fire crews were called out to the Mormon Trailhead near 24th Street and Baseline around 2 p.m. because Cortinez became overheated, authorities said.

Firefighters said they found the boy about 1 mile from the trailhead with family members.

Aerial video showed firefighters doing chest compressions on Cortinez on the trail.

Crews put the victim in a basket, and a Phoenix Fire Department helicopter pilot flew him off the mountain.

He was then loaded into an ambulance and taken to the hospital, where he later died.

Firefighters said reports indicate Cortinez was on the trail for several hours, possibly since the mid-morning, before crews were called.

The forecasted high for Phoenix on Tuesday was 113 degrees. However, the National Weather Service did not issue an extreme heat watch or warning.

“We do have a lot of beautiful hiking trails here in the city of Phoenix, and we want people to feel encouraged to use those trails early in the morning or later in the evening. Please avoid the sun at all costs. Seek shade, stay hydrated and limit your exposure to the sun as much as you can,” said Phoenix Fire Capt. Shaun Dubios.

When it’s hot, people should take heat precautions, including keeping an eye on the young, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions, as they are most susceptible to heat-related illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Police said they are investigating.

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