Hiker dies at Pico de la Zarza during Canary Islands heatwave

A hiker, approximately 50 years old, died on Tuesday at Pico de la Zarza in the municipality of Pájara, Fuerteventura, due to health complications caused by extreme heat.

Emergency services, including the Canary Islands Emergency and Security Coordination Center (CECOES 112), responded to the alert received in the mid-afternoon. The rescue operation involved Pájara firefighters, the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC), the Civil Guard, and local police. Medical teams, including a medicalized helicopter and ambulances, performed advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation after finding the woman in cardiorespiratory arrest, but were unable to revive her.

The incident occurred during a period of extreme temperatures in the Canary Islands. At the time, the Directorate General of Public Health had issued a level 2 orange alert for Fuerteventura due to heat-related health risks.