PAWHUSKA, Okla. (KOTV) — The Oklahoma heat claimed the life an Arkansas woman this week. The 29-year-old died Monday of a heat stroke while at a Mormon church camp in Pawhuska.
Paramedics said they took five juveniles to the hospital for heat-related illnesses last week – three of those minors were unconscious when medics got to camp.
Meaghan Blair was serving as an adult supervisor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Osage Prairie Pioneer Trek. The pioneer trek is a tradition to teach LDS youth about the Mormon pioneer exodus of the mid-1800s.
They dress in pioneer clothing, sing and dance, then hike for miles, pulling handcarts just like their ancestors; and this month, some members are doing all that in sweltering Oklahoma sun.
“If you’re gonna be outside, you’re gonna be affected by the heat,” said Pawhuska EMS director, Don McCorkle.
Blair and her husband were acting as the “ma” and “pa” of a pioneer “family” of teenagers.
Blair was near the end of a seven-mile trek through a Pawhuska prairie when she passed out and started seizing. The Rogers, Arkansas LDS church confirmed Blair died of a heat stroke.
She was just 29 years old and leaves behind a husband and two young children.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and all who knew her,” church spokeswoman Deborah Neria said. “We pray that they [Blair’s family] will be blessed with God’s peace and understanding as they deal with this terrible loss.”
Paramedics said it’s a sad reminder the heat doesn’t just affect elderly.
“Just stay aware of the heat, aware of your body and how you’re feeling,” he said.
McCorkle said staying hydrated with water and replacing electrolytes with low-sugar sports drinks is vital when out in the hot summer sun. And he warns the heat can hurt you anywhere, whether out on the prairie or in the heart of the city.
“It’s all over, it’s not just there. It’s hot everywhere in Oklahoma right now. Just be aware of it,” McCorkle said.
The LDS Church said it requires every handcart carry 10 gallons of water on treks.
The spokeswoman said Monday’s trek started early in the morning in an effort to beat the heat. It also included shade and swimming stops.
A LDS church member said this week’s trek has been canceled.
The LDS website says the Osage Prairie treks are held in March, June and October. It says weather prevents scheduling them July and August.
