Jerusalem – Florida State University International Programs says that an American tourist who has died while hiking Tuesday during a heatwave in Israel was a student participating in the university’s summer program hosted by the Rabin Center in Jerusalem.
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Briana McHam, 20, of Pompano Beach, Fla. died during an excursion to Masada, which is under the authority of Israel’s National Park System.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says the 20-year-old woman fell about 5 meters (about 16 feet) at the site of Masada on Tuesday, one of the hottest days of the year. He says the fall was not the cause of death but that the woman suffered dehydration after the fall, which then led to her death.
Other hikers noticed she had gone missing and her body was found after an hour.
Israel is experiencing a heat wave that sparked fires around the country earlier this week.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students, who was at the beginning of a life of discovery broadening her horizons,” said Dr. James Pitts, director of International Programs. “Our hearts go out to her family, and we will assist them in any way we can, as well as other FSU students who might be affected during this difficult time.”
Condolences to the family of this fine young woman.
Masada is brutaly hot in the summer, tour leaders should take every precaution in protecting those they are hosting.
Heartbreaking!
What a shame. I hope her family will be able to be comforted.
May she rest in peace
RIP, how very, very sad.
What happened to the buddy system??? I recall many, many years ago. The first time I went up to Masada and it was very, very hot. I was very red and overheated. The guard who was at the entry when we got off the tram told me to pour a bottle of water over my head because I would faint from the heat.