Hiker Identified as Washington Doctor Who Died at Grand Canyon
The National Park Service has confirmed the identity of the hiker who tragically passed away last week at the Grand Canyon. He was Dr. Dennis Smith, a 74-year-old physician from Olympia, Washington.
On May 15th, the Grand Canyon Regional Communications Centre received a report about unresponsive hikers on the North Kaibab Trail. Dr. Smith was attempting to hike from the South Rim to the North Rim when he reportedly collapsed.
Despite the limited mobile phone coverage in the Canyon, he was close enough to the top to summon a Park Service helicopter. Although medics tried to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The exact cause of death is still under investigation by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s office, according to the Park Service.
Tom Hertenstel, a fellow doctor who worked alongside Smith for over three decades, expressed disbelief at the incident, labeling it a “freak” accident.
“I think it was around 100 degrees that day, but he was really good about staying hydrated,” Hertenstel remarked. “He was always careful about drinking enough fluids. It’s just hard to believe he would push himself too hard. This feels so…odd.”
Dr. Smith, who had a brief tenure in the Navy, transitioned from family practice to orthopedic surgery and opened Olympia Orthopedics. He met Hertenstel in 1994 and they worked closely together for years.
“We operated together every Tuesday for 30 years,” Hertenstel recalled. “We’ve even hiked across the Grand Canyon three times. Recently, he transitioned to hiking instead of running, spending winters hiking near Tucson.”
The duo had also taken on challenges like climbing Mount Whitney and completing an Ironman triathlon together, among other athletic pursuits.
“He was very active and fit,” Hertenstel noted. “This was a hike, not a run, but the Grand Canyon is still a big undertaking. I just can’t wrap my head around what happened.”
Beyond his athletic achievements, Smith was highly regarded in his community for his work in orthopedics, specializing in trauma and joint replacements.
“He was always ready to help anyone in need,” Hertenstel said. “Even after retiring in 2021, he stayed involved in the field, staying up to date with the latest developments.”
Smith was known for his extensive knowledge; Hertenstel quipped, “We used to joke that we didn’t need Google, we had Dennis.” He had a passion for health and nutrition, making his sudden death particularly hard to bear.
Dr. Smith is survived by his wife, Evelyn, and four children, with whom he had celebrated a 50th anniversary recently. He also leaves behind many grandchildren who shared his love for running and hiking.
The National Park Service has urged all visitors, especially those planning hikes in the Grand Canyon, to prepare adequately for extreme heat. They recommend avoiding strenuous hikes between 10 AM and 4 PM, when temperatures are at their highest.
Additionally, hikers attempting long distances between the rims are advised to be self-sufficient to minimize emergencies for themselves and for rescue teams. Park Services have noted that assistance efforts may be delayed due to limited staffing and safety protocols.
