Alum Cave Trail Closure

[HooKooDooKu]

There was word in the backcountry this weekend that Alum Trail was closed for a while due to a death.
Any details?
(Not looking to name names, just curious if it was a medical situation or some accident).

[TNhiker]

Here's the press release the Park put out earlier today...


Hiker Suffers Medical Emergency on Alum Cave Trail


Great Smoky Mountains National Park Rangers responded to a report of man in cardiac distress on Alum Cave Trail at approximately 9:59 a.m. on Saturday, July 15. Phillip Basset Davenport, age 47, from Nashville, TN was hiking down the Alum Cave Trail from Mt. Le Conte with a group of friends after staying the previous night at LeConte Lodge. He suddenly passed out 3 miles from the trailhead and bystanders administered CPR while park medics responded. Davenport passed away at approximately 11:14 a.m.


Davenport was carried off the trail by Park Rangers and then transported by the Gatlinburg Fire Department to LeConte Medical Center.

[HooKooDooKu]

My condolences to the Davenport family.

It is because of past stories such as this that I try to make sure my kids know what they need to do (generally shelter in-place until help can arrive) should some unfortunate thing happen to me while we're out on the trail together.