She Wanted To Go On A Final Hike Before Her Wedding, And She Sadly Passed Away On The Grand Canyon Trail
Melanie Goodine was just weeks away from getting married and moving to Belize with the love of her life when she tragically passed away while hiking in Grand Canyon National Park with her fiancé.
A 41-year-old Ontario native, Melanie loved adventuring outdoors. She was on a mission to squeeze in one last epic hike before some of the major life events that were coming up.
Melanie was due to get married to the love of her life Stephen. The two were set to be married in July, just one month after her 42nd birthday.
They had plans to move to Belize and open a bar together.
Melanie was determined to complete a 32-kilometer hike from the ridge of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River and back.
While on the hiking trail that tragic day, the temperature went up to almost 104 degrees in certain spots. Melanie was just above a rest-house on the trail when she became unresponsive.
Stephen stated in an interview that she had entered a distressed state, and other hikers were noticing her exhaustion.
Apparently, someone had offered to call 911, but Melanie insisted that she finishes the hike, saying that no one else would help her over the ridge but her fiancé.
“She wouldn’t give up,” said Stephen. “What happened happens instantly.”
f11photo – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purpose only, not the actual person
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When Melanie became unresponsive, those around her initiated CPR. Eventually, rescue personnel showed up, but their attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.
While on their hike, Melanie and Stephen shared some beautiful final moments together. They were talking about their upcoming wedding and listening to the song they were planning on having their first dance to.
“The song ‘KIT’ was to be our wedding song. We played it three times in the bottom of the Grand Canyon,” explained Stephen in an interview.
The band that put out the song is the Canadian alternative rock duo, Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker, who stated that they would be performing an acoustic version of “KIT” during their final show in Toronto as a tribute to Melanie.
According to an article by CTV News in Ottawa, Melanie is remembered by those that knew her as “someone who exuded joy and left those around her smiling.”
In response to Melanie’s tragic death, the National Park Service put out a reminder that those who visit and hike along the Grand Canyon should ensure that they are drinking enough water, resting in the shade throughout the day, wearing light and loose-fit clothing, and traveling with an observant companion.
It is not recommended by the NPS to hike from the rim of the Colorado River and back in one day.
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