Woman Dies While Hiking In White Sands, N.M.

Authorities say an Iowa woman has died while hiking the Alkali Flat Trail in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico.

National Park Service rangers say 23-year-old Erica Hoekstra, of Sheldon, was hiking Wednesday afternoon with a friend when she began experiencing symptoms of distress.

Her unidentified friend quickly hiked back to the trailhead to retrieve additional water and ice from their car and called 911 from her cell phone.

When the friend returned to the scene, she says Hoekstra was unconscious and she began CPR.

Rangers hiked approximately one-half mile to her location on the trail and continued CPR. Paramedics from Alamo West Volunteer Fire Department also responded and provided assistance.

The cause of death is being investigated by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator.

The National Park Service website states the trail is 4.6 miles round trip and there is no water or shade along the trail.

The Alkali Flat Trail is marked by unvegetated white sand dunes.