Woman identified after deadly hike in Palm Springs

A woman from Scotland died in Palm Springs Monday after she and her husband could no longer hike due to overheating and dehydration.

The Riverside County Coroner’s Office identified the woman Tuesday morning as Ruth Ross. The couple was visiting from Hamilton, Scotland, according to police.

Lieutenant Mike Kovaleff with the Palm Springs Police Department said Ruth’s husband called 911 from the South Lykken Trail around 10:18 a.m. to report his wife had become unconscious.

The man told authorities he and his wife were running low on water and they could no longer make it down the mountain, according to the release.

A California Highway Patrol airplane and a Cal Fire helicopter assisted with the search. Rescue crews located the couple on the South Lykken Trail, which is located in the mountains northwest of South Palm Canyon Drive and Murray Canyon Drive, Kovaleff said.

Rescue crews hiked about 35 minutes into the area.

Ruth was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition but later died. Her 59-year-old husband was airlifted to a nearby area before being taken to the hospital via ambulance in stable condition, according to police.

The man was released from the hospital later that day.

Kovaleff said the couple began their hike near Murray Canyon Drive and South Palm Canyon Drive at about 7:30 a.m. Monday. They arrived to Palm Springs a day before the incident.

The Palm Springs Mounted Police Search and Rescue have responded to several hiker distress calls in the past few weeks. However, this is the first time the distress call has turned out to be deadly.

Officials want to remind hikers to stay well-hydrated and to make sure you’re in good physical condition before beginning a hike. Each hiker should take liters of water with them.

Hikers should always tell a friend where they are going, dress appropriately in bright colors (not green, brown or black) and carry a cell phone with a strong battery, officials advise.