Official reports are likely to overlook heat’s role in a death. As US temperatures rise, experts say the true toll needs to be counted
Among the autopsy reports that made my heart skip a beat was Hannah Rose Moody.
One morning last May, the 31-year-old set out on a favourite desert hike near her home in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was already 91F (33C) when she set off. On Instagram, she told her 50,000 followers: “Conquering this trail as a last hurrah before summer hits 🥵☀️… I have like 5 gallons of water with me don’t worry 😅.”
By midday, the temperature had climbed above 100F (38C).
When she did not return, friends raised the alarm. A search team found her the next day, less than 100 yards (91 metres) from the parking lot.
