Hiker Dies on Santa Cruz Island

Heat stroke apparently claims Orange County man after 14-mile hike in 90-degree weather

By William M. Macfadyen, Noozhawk Publisher | Published on 10.20.2009

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An Orange County man died on Santa Cruz Island on Friday of apparent heat stroke following a hike during unseasonably hot weather.

Thomas Pruner, 49, of Lake Forest, and three friends hiked a 14-mile trail between Prisoners Harbor and Scorpion Valley Campground, according to Channel Islands National Park spokeswoman Yvonne Menard. The group embarked on the trek around 11 a.m. Friday as temperatures were climbing to a record 94 degrees, she said.

Pruner’s companions told authorities that he showed signs of fatigue early in the hike and his condition worsened as the day wore on. Menard said Pruner needed assistance over the last couple of miles and that he went into seizures once the group arrived at the Scorpion Valley camp about 5 p.m. Soon after, she said, he became unresponsive and then lost consciousness.

Menard said a Santa Barbara Adventure Co. kayak guide, an off-duty Navy fire captain from San Diego and National Park Service staff tried for an hour to revive him using an automated external defibrillator and CPR. She said Ventura County Sheriff’s Department paramedics arrived and continued resuscitation efforts for another 30 minutes.

Pruner was pronounced dead at 7:27 p.m. and he was transported to the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office.

Prior to the hike, rangers provided the group with a general safety orientation that included information about staying hydrated. Menard said rangers advised the hikers that, given the hot conditions and terrain with little shade, they needed twice as much water as the two liters each man was carrying.

— Noozhawk publisher Bill Macfadyen can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk.

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» jzavala wrote on 10.21.09 @ 06:26 AM

You fail to mention at the very end of your article that after the tragedy was when the ranger had said that the water that was brought was insufficient.  The article implies that the ranger warned them before.
As I recall, at least for the group of campers, the orientation discussed the mouse virus, keeping you food safe from animals, the campground facilities and the method of kayaking to keep from being stranded downwind.  I believe the ranger spokesperson was probably refering to orientation given to the day hikers group.

JAZ

» Mkohler wrote on 10.21.09 @ 07:17 AM

The Ventura County Star article related to this indicates they were told 3 times not to go which is incorrect. I appreciate your more accurate reporting.
The only correction would be that the Park Service staff only helped summon the helicopter. Friends, the fire captain, and the kayak guide performed all the CPR and life saving attempts.

» christina wrote on 10.21.09 @ 10:55 AM

I was camping at the same sight as this group of hikers were and just wasnted to say my heart and prayers go out to this mans family! It was a tragic weekend, a life was lost that is what happened may he rest in peace.
God bless

» John St John wrote on 10.21.09 @ 12:26 PM

Tom was my neighbor for the past 10 months, there isn’t a kinder more considerate person. My wife and I will truely miss him and will pray for his family.
    God Bless

» Robear wrote on 10.21.09 @ 08:31 PM

Aloha Tom, Aloha
You will always be close to our hearts for the rest of our lives.

» jw wrote on 10.23.09 @ 04:19 AM

I worked with Tom for a number if years. Complete professional who will be missed.

» Fire Captain's Wife wrote on 10.23.09 @ 07:21 AM

My heart goes out to all Tommy’s buddies that were with him in his final moments, his two boys, ex-wife and others. 

This was a very stressful night for all of us and all efforts were taken to save his life given the remoteness on the island.

God Bless

» Debbie Pruner-Rigney wrote on 10.26.09 @ 05:11 PM

To all those who’s effort’s to save my brother. I send out a heartfelt THANK YOU and MAHALO. I am sadden at the loss of my big brother, however have a sense of peace knowing that he was with loving friend’s and people whom I know Tommy would have embraced as friend’s. Thank you again.

Debbie

 

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