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PORT ANGELES – An Iowa woman died in Olympic National Park after apparently suffering a fatal heart attack.

ONP officials say the 29-year-old collapsed about 4:30 Monday afternoon while backpacking with family on the Sol Duc River Trail above Deer Lake.

Park Rangers were hiking in the area and encountered the group of hikers about a half hour after the episode. The woman had regained consciousness. Rangers provided medical aid and she reportedly began to feel better and her condition improved. The plan was to camp overnight at Deer Lake and proceed with a litter carry out to the trailhead in the morning.

About two hours later the woman suddenly lost consciousness again and went into cardiac arrest. A medevac was requested and due to the terrain, a military helicopter was necessary for a hoist operation. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation was administered for an hour until a medical professional and emergency medical protocols directed the park rangers to suspend the efforts. The exact cause of death is under investigation.

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