Warning after lawyer, 27, dies of dehydration – despite carrying three bottles of water
The death of a 27-year-old man in regional Western Australia has prompted warnings from police to be prepared for the extreme conditions of the outback.
Perth lawyer Kismatual Muzahid died on Saturday after hiking an 8km trek in and around Kalbarri, 150km north of Geraldton.
In blistering heat, Mr Muzahid only took with him three small bottles of water on the four-hour trek and later collapsed from dehydration.
Authorities said the 28C heat would have felt more like 40C inside the gorge.
WA police have stressed the dangers of the elements, especially in areas without phone signal.
“A man who dies in his mid-20s in circumstances that possibly could have been avoided is always a tragedy,” WA Police Inspector Garry Kosovich said.
Mr Muzahid was with two friends from Sydney in the Kalbarri National Park when he collapsed in the final stretch of their hike. They were just 600 metres from the carpark.
“The latter part of the walk I understand the man complained of feeling unwell and became quite distressed,” Insp Kosovich said.
He was dead when paramedics arrived.
The young lawyer has been described by colleagues as a “kind man” and a “promising young solicitor”.
His death is the fourth in the Kalbarri National Park in the last 10 years, prompting WA police to raise awareness of the importance of hydration.
Premier Mark McGowan said while WA is there to enjoy, visitors must be aware of the conditions.
“Western Australia is a big and beautiful place and we promote all aspects of it including the fact you can have a real and authentic outback experience, just people need to take enough precautions and carry enough water”.
