Hikers rescued from Romero Canyon

On June 16, 2014, at approximately 12:35 p.m., the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Unit responded to a rescue in Catalina State Park of a 19-year-old male and a 17-year-old female, who began hiking to Romero Pools at approximately 6:00 a.m.

As they were hiking, they lost the trail to Romero Pools and ended up in Romero Canyon. The male called 911 and reported they were on a cliff, out of water, and light headed. He requested a helicopter because he didn’t think he could hike out.

The Golder Ranch Fire Department, Northwest Fire Department, Department of Safety helicopter, and the Southern Arizona Rescue Association (SARA) assisted in the rescue. The hikers were located in Romero Canyon and evaluated. They were provided fluids and began hiking out with rescue personnel. While on the trail, the male had heat related complications and had to be assisted out. When they reached the parking lot they were re-evaluated.

The female was taken home by family members and the male was transported to a local hospital for treatment.