LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – A Kingman micro school has received two citations related to a hike that led to a Thursday afternoon rescue near Lake Mead.
The Marvelous Micro School confirmed its involvement with FOX5 Friday and provided a statement correcting multiple details previously provided by the National Park Service.
In a Facebook post, Lake Mead National Recreation Area stated Thursday, “Rangers are actively responding to a large-scale rescue involving 28 hikers, three adults and 25 children with special needs, who attempted to reach Arizona Hot Springs without adequate preparation.”
NPS also shared details about two previous excursions in the same area that left five hikers with heat distress, and another hiker dead. They added that the trails are currently closed until temperatures in the area drop, which is expected on Sunday or Monday.
Dr. Catherine Normoyle, an administrator for the Marvelous Micro School, stated in a letter to parents, “I am sure by this point many of you saw the news regarding our hiking trip yesterday. If you haven’t, then this information may come as quite a shock, but bear with me.”
“There were 10 adults and 18 students in total. Three students are identified as ‘special needs’ per their education, but not outside of that,” the letter reads.
Dr. Normoyle also stated that each student was asked to bring a gallon of water and the group was never lost on the trail during the hike. She added, “When the first student began to feel ill, we were two miles from the parking lot on the return trip (that is about 75% of the way back). It made more sense to go ahead.”
She also shared that a student called Search and Rescue during the trip, stating, “The students did what they thought was right. I applaud them for that.”
She continued, “What the student was unaware of is that we did have a plan for those students who were struggling, and that plan had already been enacted.”
The school received two citations in the incident, for not having a permit and creating hazardous conditions.
Dr. Normoyle also added that the student who felt ill was “100% fine” and discharged from the emergency department before the rest of the students returned home.
Future school hikes have been terminated, according to Dr. Normoyle’s letter, which continues, “One day we may resume them, but not soon.”
The letter concludes, “Unfortunately, other than this procedure, I am not sure what else can be done. This is an unfortunate event, and I am sorry it happened. I am so grateful that everyone is okay.”
FOX5 has reached out to Lake Mead park rangers for a response and additional details about
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