Australian hiker of Appalachian Trail dies in Carter County

[tasadam]

Bit of sad news unfortunately.

http://johnsoncitypress.com/News/articl ... z2TSj3VGRk

ELIZABETHTON — A hiker on the Appalachian Trail from Australia died in Carter County this week.

Carter County Sheriff Chris Mathes said the hiker was George Walls Grant, 71, from Collie, Western Australia.

“He appeared to be a hiker who traveled the world to hike,” Mathes said after examining Grant’s passport.

The sheriff’s department said Grant had been hiking the trail and had been picked up by a motorist near the section of the trail where it crosses U.S. 321 at Shooks Branch Recreation Area.

The motorist, James Self of Dennis Cove, said Grant wanted to go to the Roadrunner convenience store in Hampton. While driving to the store, Self said Grant appeared to be having some medical problems.

Self stopped at the Carter County Rescue Squad Station No. 3, which was on the way. Grant was transported to the Sycamore Shoals Hospital Emergency Room by ambulance.

Grant was pronounced dead by County Coroner Benny Colbaugh at 9:15 a.m.

Mathes said there did not appear to be any foul play in the death.

[wayno]

well I suppose he died doing what he loved, without knowing the details of his death, perhaps he may have had this episode anyway and even having someone available to get him to medical help quickly didnt save his life so he may have passed away regardless of where he was.

[russ752]

Hope no one was too badly injured. Doesn't look like a good year for accidents

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/ ... ml?hpid=z3

[Mutley]

Maybe the lesson is, don't wait too long to attempt such a monumental hike as the Appalacian. If only my boss and my wife would give me six months off..I'd be there in a flash. As Wayno said, he died following his dream, which is a good way to go.

[wayno]

so we're all off to do the apalachian trail then? who's in?